San Diego’s officials are urging residents to prepare for the upcoming winter storm expected to bring significant rainfall from Wednesday through the weekend. This marks the second storm in two weeks, and alongside the rain, the region will also experience “king tides” from Thursday to Sunday.
In the previous storm, which delivered between 0.4 to 0.65 inches of rain to coastal areas, city crews handled over 250 weather-related incidents, including a noteworthy 151 downed trees and limbs. As a precautionary measure, locals are advised to avoid parking beneath trees during storm events to prevent potential hazards.
Amanda Parra, Assistant Deputy Director of the Stormwater Department, emphasized the city’s commitment to maintaining smooth operations and addressing community needs, whether through inspections or coordinated response planning. Throughout the incoming storm, the Storm Patrol operation will monitor key areas and respond to incidents such as temporary flooding or fallen trees.
Residents are encouraged to report issues related to the storm—like flooding or downed trees—via the Get It Done app or by calling 619-527-7500. For life-threatening emergencies, the public should dial 911.
The city’s stormwater department is proactively cleaning storm drains and inlets prone to debris accumulation while sweeping streets. The department will oversee over 46,000 storm drains during the storm to address any complications promptly. Additionally, staff will keep an eye on channels in the Chollas Creek area that previously experienced significant flooding and property damage during the storms in January 2024.
To help mitigate flooding risks around their homes, residents can undertake several straightforward actions:
– Clear debris like trash, leaves, and grass clippings from storm drains and gutters.
– Ensure trash and recycling bin lids are closed securely and position the bins 2 to 3 feet away from the curb to facilitate better stormwater management.
– Stop irrigation practices to conserve water and minimize runoff.
– Avoid opening or lifting manhole covers during flooding.
The city advises against traveling through floodwaters. Residents also have access to limited supplies of sandbags, which can be collected from 11 recreation centers across different City Council districts. Each San Diego household or business can obtain up to 10 sandbags, although sand will not be provided.
Locations for sandbag pickup include various recreation centers such as Pacific Beach Recreation Center, North Clairemont Recreation Center, and Golden Hill Recreation Center, among others. Furthermore, the city is strengthening homeless shelters by providing sandbags and has established contingency plans for potential flooding situations.
With the city’s proactive measures and community cooperation, San Diego aims to navigate the incoming storm effectively while prioritizing the safety and well-being of its residents.