City prepares for multi-day storm, urges residents to prepare

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — While heavy rain is expected to fall in the region starting Monday and continuing through Thursday, the city of San Diego announced that crews are stepping up preparations to reduce the risk of flooding throughout the city.

Throughout the rainy area, storm crews will monitor river levels, storm drains and more than 46,000 storm drains, city officials said. In addition to sweeping streets to prevent trash and pollutants from entering local waterways, crews also clean drains and inlets that are known to accumulate debris.

Low-lying areas such as Mission Valley, Sorrento Valley, and Southcrest, defined by FEMA as Special Flood Hazard Areas – is particularly vulnerable to prolonged rain events. City officials said roads in flood-prone areas could be closed if necessary and drivers were urged to avoid those areas during heavy rainfall.

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The city’s Stormwater Department has cleared tons of debris and vegetation from storm drains in recent months, including ongoing maintenance along Chollas Creek. Officials said staff will continue to monitor these areas throughout the storm and perform additional maintenance once the weather improves.

“Preparing for potential flooding is part of the city’s year-round responsibility,” said Stormwater Department Director Todd Snyder. “Our crews are working to ensure our stormwater systems are ready, and we encourage our residents to take a few simple steps to prepare for rain.”

How can residents prepare?

City leaders are asking San Diegans to take a few simple steps to help reduce flooding near their homes:

• Sweep and clean debris, leaves and debris from around storm drains and gutters.

• Close trash and recycling bin lids securely and place bins 2 to 3 feet from the curb to avoid obstructing stormwater runoff.

• Turn off irrigation systems to preserve water and minimize runoff.

• Never open or remove manhole covers during street flooding.

Emergency responders also remind residents to know the safest routes to and from their homes in the event of flooding and to never drive, bike or walk through floodwater.

Sandbags available

Sandbags are available in limited quantities at 11 recreation centers across the city, limited to 10 bags per household or business. Sand is not provided and residents are encouraged to purchase sand from local hardware or landscaping supply stores.

Locations include:

• Pacific Beach Recreation Center (Council District 1)

• North Clairemont Recreation Center and Robb Field Athletic Field (Council District 2)

• Golden Hill Recreation Center (Council District 3)

• Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center (Council District 4)

• Scripps Ranch Recreation Center (Council District 5)

• Standley Recreation Center (Council District 6)

• Allied Gardens Recreation Center (Council District 7)

• Silver Wing Recreation Center and Southcrest Recreation Center (Council District 8)

• City Heights Recreation Center (Council District 9)

Sandbags are available during the recreation center’s regular hours.

For more information on storm preparedness, residents can visit the city’s Storm Preparedness section web page.

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