As the National Weather Service is forecasting a Pacific storm and atmospheric river to hit the San Diego area starting tonight, March 29, and through Sunday, March 31, the City of San Diego is encouraging everyone to prepare for the storm and take precautions. Up to two inches of rain are expected over the next three days.

Before the rain arrives, the City’s Storm Patrol teams, consisting of dozens of teams from the Transportation and Stormwater departments, will be deployed to clean out storm drains and inlets with a history of debris buildup, and to sweep streets to reduce trash and pollutants from entering waterways. To prioritize safety for residents, the City may close flood-prone roads along the San Diego River ahead of the storm. 

Throughout the rain event, Storm Patrol teams will monitor pump stations and more than 46,000 storm drains citywide for any issues and respond to reported incidents of flooding and downed trees or branches. Residents can report storm-related issues by calling Public Works Dispatch at 619-527-7500 or using the City’s Get It Done app. If it’s a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.

San Diegans can individually 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.

For those impacted by the Jan. 22 storm and flooding, a limited number of filled sandbags will be available today from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Mountain View Recreation Center (this is also the location of the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center) and the Encanto Recreation Center.

For residents throughout the city, empty sandbags are available at select recreation centers during operating hours. Sandbags are limited to 10 bags per City of San Diego household or business; sand is not provided. Locations include:

• 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 - San Ysidro Community Activity Center, 179 Diza Rd.   
• Council District 8 – Southcrest Recreation Center, 4149 Newton Ave.
• Council District 9 - City Heights Recreation Center, 4380 Landis St.  

Recreation centers are open seven days a week, contact the individual recreation center site for hours of operation. For more information and resources on how to properly prepare before a storm, please visit the City’s Storm Preparedness webpage.