Officials with the City of San Diego are urging residents to be ready ahead of a Pacific atmospheric river storm that is expected to hit the region on Friday evening and last through the weekend.
Around two inches of rain is expected over the next three days across the region, according to the National Weather Service.
Before rain falls, the city’s Storm Patrol — made up of dozens of teams from the Transportation and Stormwater departments — will be sent out to clean storm drains and inlets with a history of debris buildup, officials said.
Crews will also sweep streets to reduce trash and pollutants from entering waterways.
City officials added that flood-prone roads along the San Diego River may be closed before the storm arrives.
During the rain, Storm Patrol teams will monitor pump stations and more than 46,000 storm drains throughout the city for any issues. They will also respond to reported incidents of flooding, and downed trees or branches.
The city said residents can prepare ahead of time and lower flooding risks by taking these steps:
- Sweep and pick up trash, leaves, grass clippings or other debris that collect around storm drains and curb gutters near a home
- Keep trash and recycle bin lids securely closed on when putting them out for pick-up, and keep each bin 2 to 3 feet away from the curb to hindering storm water flow on the street
- Proactively turn off irrigation to save water and minimize runoff
- Know the safest routes to and from their home or property, if flooding happens
- 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
There are limited number of filled sandbags will be available Friday for people who were previously affected by the Jan. 22 storm and flooding. Those residents may pick up sandbags until 7 p.m. at the Mountain View Recreation Center, which is also the site of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Recovery Center, and the Encanto Recreation Center.
For those living elsewhere in the city or businesses, empty sandbags are available at select recreation centers during operating hours and are limited to 10 bags. However, sand is not provided.
Sandbag locations are:
–Council District 1, Pacific Beach Recreation Center, 1405 Diamond Street;
–Council District 2 (inland), North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4421 Bannock Ave. and (coastal) Robb Field Athletic Area, 2525 Bacon Street;
–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 or Southcrest Recreation Center, 4149 Newton Ave.; and
–Council District 9, City Heights Recreation Center, 4380 Landis St.
Recreation centers are open seven days a week; residents should contact the individual site for hours of operation. More information and storm preparation resources are available here.
Residents may report storm-related problems or issues by calling the city’s Public Works Dispatch at 619-527-7500 or using the Get It Done app.
City News Service contributed to this report.
