SAN DIEGO — Mayor Todd Gloria issued an evacuation warning to residents in low-lying areas that endured flooding last week. The mayor issued the warning during a briefing Wednesday ahead of back-to-back storms set to hit the San Diego area starting Thursday morning.
Mayor Gloria noted that the evacuation warning is voluntary and asked residents to consider gathering important documents, as well as seek accommodations for at-risk family members and pets in case of severe flooding. However, should an evacuation order go into effect, San Diego police would go door-to-door to inform residents.
The City is also establishing a shelter at the Municipal Gym at Balboa Park. Gloria said transportation to the shelter would be provided to those who need it.
Forecasts from CBS 8 show that the city of San Diego could receive significant rainfall on Thursday with additional precipitation continuing through Friday.
Chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, Colin Stowell, said during Wednesday's briefing that all firefighters and lifeguards are on duty for the storm. In addition, there will be eight swift water rescue crews from SDFD plus two more crews from the California Office of Emergency Management.
Chief Stowell said they have staffed additional personnel and engines in preparation for the incoming rain. The fire department urges residents to know where their important documents are, have a plan in case of evacuation, and have a place to meet.
WATCH FULL PRESS CONFERENCE: San Diego Mayor Gloria issues evacuation warning to residents in low-lying areas ahead of storm
Bethany Bezak, the Transportation Department Director, said that crews have made an unprecedented effort to clear channels and culverts across San Diego. She said that crews have cleared over four miles of channels ahead of the coming storms. She said that the channel capacity had been restored in Chollas Creek. She cautioned that while the City is trying to minimize flooding, they still expect it to occur in some capacity.
To curb potential flooding, the city is also giving away sandbags to residents and businesses that want to protect their homes or property. Residents are encouraged to bring a shovel and fill bags themselves. Pre-filled sandbags will be delivered to neighborhoods that were severely impacted by flooding.
If you are facing a non-medical emergency, you should contact the Public Works Dispatch office at 619-527-7500. The City has set up a shelter for those displaced by flooding at the Balboa Park Municipal Gym at 2111 Pan American Plaza San Diego, CA 92101
The City of San Diego has provided the following tips to residents:
- 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.