REGION — County, city and utility company leaders monitored Tropical Cyclone Rachel off the coast of Baja California today and prepared for tropical storm-force winds, coastal flooding and moderate to heavy rain throughout the region.
Rain is expected to arrive as early as Saturday night, with severe weather continuing through Sunday morning and into the evening, according to the National Weather Service. A coastal flood advisory is in effect until Tuesday.
A tropical storm watch has been issued for all of San Diego County because of the possibility of tropical storm-force winds, coastal flooding and moderate to heavy rain throughout the region.
The city of San Diego is preparing for high tides and storm surges, which could flood low-lying areas around Midway, Mission Beach and other coastal neighborhoods. Road closures are anticipated, especially in the Midway area at Frontage Road and Pacific Coast Highway. Travelers are encouraged to watch for detour signs and never drive or walk through flooded streets.
According to the city, crews are cleaning storm drains, inspecting and clearing storm channels, staging equipment, including temporary pumps, and monitoring weather conditions ahead of the storm to reduce the risk of flooding and keep neighborhoods safe.
San Diegans are encouraged to prepare their homes and property for severe weather, create an emergency plan and a “go kit” in case they need to leave quickly, and stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts.
Resources and information are available at sandiego.gov/ElNino.
“Our teams are working diligently to prepare the city’s stormwater system for the incoming rain, but community preparedness is just as critical, especially with El Niño in the forecast,” said Stormwater Department Director Todd Snyder. “By taking a few simple steps now, residents can significantly reduce the potential impacts of the storm.”
San Diego Gas & Electric is also taking proactive steps to prepare for the storm.
“Our teams are preparing for changing weather conditions and are ready to respond if impacts occur,” said Kevin Geraghty, chief operating and safety officer of SDG&E. “We’re monitoring conditions around the clock, positioning personnel and equipment where they’re needed most and taking proactive steps to support reliability. If weather conditions affect electric or gas service, we’re prepared to respond quickly and keep customers informed.”
To help protect residents and utility workers, SDG&E recommends securing outdoor items, driving cautiously and preparing for possible power outages by charging batteries and stocking emergency supplies.
Residents should always assume downed power lines are energized and report them to 911 and SDG&E at 800-411-7343. Residents who suspect a natural gas leak should also contact the utility.
San Diego County has dozens of locations offering sand and sandbags. A list is available at AlertSanDiego.org.
Residents throughout the county can prepare by taking the following precautions:
-
Sweep and remove trash, leaves, grass clippings and other debris that collect around storm drains and curb gutters near homes.
-
Keep lids securely closed on trash and recycling bins.
-
Do not open manhole covers during street flooding.
-
Turn off irrigation systems.
-
Know the safest routes to and from homes or properties in the event of flooding.
-
Slow down and avoid driving, riding or walking through floodwaters.
