SAN DIEGO — San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria restored an evacuation warning in a press briefing Sunday evening for San Diego communities in flood-prone and low-lying areas ahead of the storm expected to hit Monday. This includes neighborhoods such as: Southcrest, Mountain View, Encanto, Rolando and other areas of Southeast San Diego that were impacted by the January 22 storm.
While the evacuation warning is voluntary, Gloria said if an evacuation order is issued, law enforcement would go door-to-door to inform residents. The warning is designed to have residents make evacuation preparations now should it become necessary, Gloria said.
"If you are able, we encourage people living in these flood-prone, low-lying areas to seek alternative accommodations to ride out the storm," Gloria said Sunday.
The city of San Diego has a temporary evacuation shelter at the Municipal Gym in Balboa Park that will stay open throughout the week. Residents under the evacuation warning can request a ride to the shelter at no cost from the United Taxi Workers. To schedule a ride, call 619-280-4444 or download the Ride United (Passenger) app on your phone.
This press conference follows the proclamation Governor Gavin Newsom made Sunday afternoon that eight Southern California counties — including San Diego — are under a state of emergency.
The counties Newsom declared the state of emergency for include: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. It adds to the the proclamation he already made for San Diego and Ventura counties last week after the January 22 storm swept through San Diego County neighborhoods and flooded myriad communities.
Gloria said he and Newsom have been in regular communication leading up to the storm.
"I am grateful for the additional resources that the governor has marshaled to help us prepare and respond for the upcoming storm," Gloria said. "And as always his attention and concern for San Diego is deeply appreciated. His proclamation will make it easier for us to handle whatever mother nature throws our way in the coming days."
Roughly 8,500 emergency responders are ready to respond to potential flooding, landslides, travel impacts and 911 calls, Newsom's office announced Sunday.
Gloria also said the Local Assistance Center in Mountain View that opened in response to last month's storm will also be closed Monday in lieu of the storm expected to hit the county.
The impending storm will primarily affect San Diego County on Monday through Wednesday, though some models show wet weather lingering through Thursday and Friday. Rain rates could exceed one inch per hour Monday and Tuesday, which means flooding in low-lying areas. Ahead of the next round of moderate to heavy rain, the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the entire county. It will go into effect starting Sunday afternoon and last through Wednesday morning.
During this period, any portion of the county will be susceptible to a Flood Advisory or Flash Flood Warning at a moment's notice due to the potential of heavy rain. A High Surf Advisory is also in effect in the coastal areas from Sunday night to Monday night. A Wind Advisory is in effect from Sunday night to Monday night. More alerts could also be issued in the next few days.
WATCH RELATED: City gives update on storm preparations