The City of San Diego today has issued an evacuation warning to residents living in areas prone to flooding in the Chollas Creek watershed, including neighborhoods devastated by flood waters during last week’s storm. The warning comes in advance of significant rainfall expected to arrive tomorrow. 

“This warning is voluntary. It is designed to encourage residents in these flood-prone communities to prepare if, or when, an evacuation order does become necessary,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “Residents in these areas should consider gathering important documents and belongings and make sure you have a plan to move yourself and your family out of harm’s way should major flooding occur. If you are willing and able, we encourage residents in these low-lying, impacted areas to seek alternative accommodations. We want to make sure we keep everyone safe as the next storm approaches.” 

The evacuation warning was issued via text message to residents who live in flood plain areas in Southcrest, Mountain View, Encanto, San Ysidro, Sorrento Valley and Mission Valley. 

The City has a shelter for evacuating residents at the Municipal Gym in Balboa Park, and the City is working to arrange transportation for those in need.  

Local forecasts by the National Weather Service indicate that areas of the City may receive approximately two inches of rain on Thursday with precipitation continuing into the weekend. Comparatively, rainfall from the storm on Jan. 22 was over three inches in some communities, as reported by the National Weather Service. San Diego residents can prepare for the rains and help reduce the risk of flooding near their homes and properties by taking a few important steps:  

·       Sweep and pick up trash, leaves, grass clippings and other debris that collect around storm drains and curb gutters near your home.  

·       Keep the lids securely closed on trash and recycle bins when placing them out on the street for collection. Place each bin approximately 2 to 3 feet away from the curb so as not to impede the stormwater flowing on the street.  

·       Proactively turn off irrigation to save water and minimize runoff.  

·       Know the safest routes to and from your home or property should flooding occur.  

·       Slow down and do not drive, ride or walk through flood waters.  

·       Do not open or lift manhole covers in the event of street flooding.  

City crews have been working to clear streets of mud and debris and make necessary infrastructure repairs since Monday, Jan. 22.  

Prior to the oncoming storm, Storm Patrol teams, consisting of hundreds of staff from the City’s Transportation and Stormwater Departments, will clean out storm drains and inlets with a history of debris buildup and sweep streets to reduce trash and pollutants from entering our waterways. To prioritize safety for residents, the City may close flood-prone roads ahead of the storm.  

Throughout the rain event, Storm Patrol teams will monitor more than 46,000 storm drains citywide for any issues and respond to reported incidents of flooding and downed trees or branches. Additional resources will be staged and ready to deploy during the storm. Residents with storm-related hazards should call Public Works Dispatch at 619-527-7500 to ensure the quickest response. 

For residents citywide, sand and empty sandbags will be available at 11 City recreation centers starting on Tuesday, Jan. 30, between 1 and 7 p.m.  

• Council District 1 - Pacific Beach Recreation Center, 1405 Diamond St.    

• Council District 2 (inland) - North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4421 Bannock Ave.   

• Council District 2 (coastal) - Robb Field Athletic Area, 2525 Bacon St.   

• Council District 3 - Golden Hill Recreation Center, 2600 Golf Course Drive.   

• Council District 4 - Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 6401 Skyline Drive.   

• Council District 5 - Scripps Ranch Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive.   

• Council District 6 - Standley Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Drive.   

• Council District 7 - Allied Gardens Recreation Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave.   

• Council District 8 - San Ysidro Community Activity Center, 179 Diza Road.   

• Council District 8 - Southcrest Recreation Center, 4149 Newton Ave.  

• Council District 9 - City Heights Recreation Center, 4380 Landis St.  

Residents are encouraged to bring shovels to fill the bags themselves. For residents in communities that were severely impacted by flooding last week, pre-filled sandbags will be delivered to their neighborhoods. 

For residents in communities impacted by last Monday’s storm, the County has set up a Local Assistance Center at the Spring Valley Library located at 836 Kempton St., Spring Valley, CA 91977. This is a one-stop shop with critical services for residents who have been impacted by flooding. Services include document replacement, medical care services, mental health support, financial and food assistance, pet supplies, clean up and rebuilding resources.  

Through today, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) volunteers are stationed to help pass out donations and provide information and resources at the following locations: Beckwourth Library, Southcrest Teen Center, College-Rolando Library and the Encanto Resource Center. 

The Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties is continuing to provide shelter for people displaced from their homes at the Lincoln High School Gymnasium located at 4777 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92133. The Red Cross San Diego phone number is 858-309-1200. 

The Jackie Robinson YMCA, located at 151 YMCA Way, San Diego, CA 92102, is providing residents with free showers, mental health services and other resources. 

Please continue to monitor the National Weather Service forecasts at noaa.gov and sandiego.gov/storm for any additional updates and resources. Visit San Diego County’s Emergency Services recovery webpage is also continually being updated at AlertSanDiego.org.