With rain in the forecast starting late Wednesday, Dec. 31, and continuing through Sunday, Jan. 4, the City of San Diego is taking steps to prepare for the wet weather and help residents stay safe.  In addition to the rain, high tides known as “king tides” are expected to hit the region between Jan. 1 and 4. While the City takes steps to prevent flooding, San Diegans are also urged to plan ahead.

Residents can 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. 

In the aftermath of last week’s storm, which brought coastal areas in San Diego approximately 0.4 to 0.65 inches of rain, City crews responded to more than 250 storm-related incidents, including 151 reports of downed trees and limbs. For safety, people are encouraged to avoid parking under trees during or ahead of a storm.

During the rains, 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. 

Ahead of the rain, the City’s Stormwater Department has been cleaning storm drains and inlets and sweeping streets to reduce trash and pollutants from entering waterways. Throughout the storm, City staff will be monitoring more than 46,000 storm drains for any issues, will have bypass pumps and traffic control set up in areas prone to flooding, and will be manually operating tide gates in Mission Beach to ensure rainwater and high tides do not flood the streets. 

Over the past several months, City teams have cleared tons of debris and vegetation from storm channels. City staff will continue to 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 teams remain committed to ensuring operations continue running smoothly and we’re able to meet the needs of those who rely on us, whether it’s through maintenance, inspections, or coordinated response planning,” said Stormwater Department Assistant Deputy Director Amanda Parra.

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.

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. 

The City and its nonprofit partners are 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 out this week and last week near the San Diego River and other areas alerting people of coming rain and offering available resources. 

The City’s inclement weather shelter beds are activated by the San Diego Housing Commission. People experiencing homelessness can call 2-1-1 or visit 211sandiego.org. 

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