With rainy weather in the forecast starting Tuesday, March 10, and potentially continuing through Saturday, March 15, the City of San Diego is continuing its year-round storm preparations to proactively reduce flood risk in neighborhoods citywide. Starting today, the City’s Stormwater Department began placing “no parking” signs in low-lying or flood-risk areas, cleaning storm drains and inlets with a history of debris buildup and conducting street sweeping to reduce trash and pollutants from entering our waterways.  

Ahead of the rainy season, City teams cleared tons of debris and vegetation from storm channels. City staff will monitor recently cleared channels in the Chollas Creek area and perform any needed channel maintenance once the rainy weather subsides. 

Throughout the rain event, Stormwater staff will be monitoring more than 46,000 storm drains citywide for any issues. 

“We know how impactful heavy rain can be, and we want to ensure that both the City’s stormwater infrastructure and our residents are ready to face the weather,” said Stormwater Department Director Todd Snyder. “We can all take a few simple steps to better prepare for incoming storms and help reduce flood risk.” 

Residents should report storm-related issues, such as flooding or downed trees, by using the Get It Done app or by calling 619-527-7500. If it is a life-threatening emergency, call 911. 

The City has also launched an educational campaign to help residents plan for storms. Informational brochures, in English and Spanish, were mailed to approximately 10,000 people who live or own property in floodplain areas with essential guidelines on emergency preparedness, evacuation plans, flood insurance and other critical flood-related resources. 

All San Diego residents can individually prepare for the rains and help reduce the risk of flooding near their homes and properties by taking a few simple 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. During the rains, multiple crews from the City’s Storm Patrol will be actively monitoring areas throughout the city and responding to incidents, such as temporary flooding and downed trees or branches.  

To prioritize safety for residents, the City may close flood-prone roads ahead of the upcoming storm.  

Sandbags are also available in limited supply and can be picked up at 11 recreation centers centrally located in each City Council District. Sandbags are limited to 10 bags per City of San Diego household or business, and sand is not provided. 

As the sandbags are not pre-filled, residents are encouraged to also plan to buy sand at local hardware stores, landscape suppliers or wherever else sand can be purchased.  

Sandbags are available at the locations listed below only during recreation center open hours.  

• 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 Dr. 
• Council District 4 - Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 6401 Skyline Dr. 
• Council District 5 - Scripps Ranch Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Dr. 
• Council District 6 - Standley Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Dr.
• Council District 7 - Allied Gardens Recreation Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave. 
• Council District 8 – Silver Wing Recreation Center, 3737 Arey Dr.
• Council District 8 - Southcrest Recreation Center, 4149 Newton Ave.
• Council District 9 - City Heights Recreation Center, 4380 Landis St.  

With rain in the forecast, the City is also taking extra precautions to protect residents at Safe Sleeping Program sites and other homeless shelter locations. Efforts to fortify some areas with sandbags are underway, and operational contingency plans are in place. City-contracted outreach teams also have been in the San Diego River and other areas alerting people of coming rain and offering available resources. 

When rain is forecasted, the City’s inclement weather shelter beds are activated by the San Diego Housing Commission. Individuals experiencing homelessness can call 2-1-1 or visit 211sandiego.org. 

For more information and resources on how to properly prepare before a storm, please visit the City’s Storm Preparedness webpage.