The effects of Tropical Storm Rachel were expected to arrive in San Diego County Saturday evening as the storm moves north from Baja California, Mexico, bringing high tides and storm surges that could cause flooding in low-lying areas.

Residents were urged to sign up for emergency notifications at AlertSanDiego.org, download the Genasys Protect app, know their safest routes and prepare an emergency kit with at least three days of supplies.

The Inclement Weather Shelter Program for San Diegans experiencing homelessness was activated Saturday by the San Diego Housing Commission in partnership with the city.

People seeking shelter can visit Father Joe’s Villages Joan Kroc Center, where up to 61 adult individuals and an additional 11 beds for families with minor children and/or single women will be available. Check-in begins at 4 p.m. and goes throughout the night until full. Check-out is at 5 a.m. at 1501 Imperial Ave.

Living Water Church of the Nazarene can accommodate up to 28 adult individuals, with on-site reservations from 1 to 4 p.m. Check-in begins at 8 p.m. for clients with reservations and check-out is at 6:30 a.m. at 1550 Market St.

The Inclement Weather Shelter Program is a partnership of the San Diego Housing Commission, city of San Diego, Father Joe’s Villages, and Living Water Church of the Nazarene.

Road closures are anticipated, especially in the Midway area at Frontage Road and Pacific Coast Highway, and travelers were encouraged to watch for detour signs and never drive or walk though flooded streets.

“Our teams are working diligently to prepare the city’s stormwater system for the incoming rain, but community preparedness is just as critical, especially with El Niño in the forecast,” Stormwater Department Director Todd Snyder said. “By taking a few simple steps now, residents can significantly reduce the potential impacts of the storm.”

Sandbags are available in limited supply and can be picked up at 11 recreation centers, at least one in each City Council District. Residents with identification showing proof of residency can receive up to 10 empty sandbags.

The locations are:

  • District 1 – Pacific Beach Recreation Center, 1405 Diamond St.
  • District 2: Robb Field Athletic Area, 2525 Bacon St.; and North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4421 Bannock Ave.
  • District 3 – Golden Hill Recreation Center, 2600 Golf Course Dr.
  • District 4: Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 6401 Skyline Dr.
  • District 5: Scripps Ranch Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Dr.
  • District 6: Standley Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Dr.
  • District 7: Allied Gardens Recreation Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave.
  • District 8 – Silver Wing Recreation Center, 3737 Arey Dr.; and Southcrest Recreation Center, 4149 Newton Ave.
  • District 9 – City Heights Recreation Center, 4380 Landis St.

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

San Diego Gas & Electric is also taking proactive steps to prepare for the storm.

“Our teams are preparing for changing weather conditions and are ready to respond if impacts occur,” said Kevin Geraghty, chief operating and safety officer of SDG&E. “We’re monitoring conditions around the clock, positioning personnel and equipment where they’re needed most and taking proactive steps to support reliability. If weather conditions affect electric or gas service, we’re prepared to respond quickly and keep customers informed.”

To help power line workers, the public was encouraged to secure outdoor items, always assume downed power lines are energized (and report them to 911 and SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343), drive cautiously and prepare for possible power outages with charged batteries, stocked supplies and call the numbers above if anyone suspects a natural gas line leak.

San Diego County also has dozens of locations to get sand and/or sandbags. The list is at alertsandiego.org/en-us/recovery/sandbags.html.