With heavy rain in the forecast starting late Tuesday, Dec. 23, and continuing through Friday, Dec. 26, the City of San Diego is taking steps to prepare for the wet weather and help residents stay safe. A flood watch will go into effect late Tuesday and last through Wednesday. While the City takes steps to prevent flooding, San Diegans are also urged to plan for the rainy season. 

The City’s Stormwater Department is cleaning storm drains and inlets with a history of debris buildup, and sweeping streets to reduce trash and pollutants from entering waterways during the rain. Throughout the storm, City staff will be monitoring more than 46,000 storm drains for any issues.  

Over the past several months, City teams have cleared tons of debris and vegetation from storm channels. City staff will monitor recently cleared channels in the Chollas Creek area, which was heavily impacted by winter storms of January 2024, and perform any additional needed maintenance once the wet weather subsides.  

Our City employees work all year to prepare for storm events like this,” said Stormwater Department Director Todd Snyder. “We are focused on protecting our communities, and residents can make a real difference by taking a few simple steps before the rain begins.”   

Residents are encouraged to 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 residents can 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. 
• Do not open or lift manhole covers in the event of street flooding.  

In order to keep you and your family safe, emergency responders remind everyone to know the safest routes to and from your home or property should flooding occur.  Also, slow down and do not drive, ride or walk through flood waters. 

During the rains, multiple crews from the City’s Storm Patrol operation will be actively monitoring areas throughout the city and responding to incidents, such as temporary flooding and downed trees or branches.  

 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 or landscape suppliers.  

 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 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 – Silver Wing Recreation Center, 3737 Arey Drive  

·        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 and its nonprofit partners are 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.