The City of San Diego has issued an evacuation warning for residents in areas throughout the county prone to rain floods.
Residents in the Chollas Creek watershed have been given an evacuation warning, as the weather forecast indicates that San Diego will likely receive significant rain tomorrow, Thursday, February 1, 2024.
Neighborhoods impacted by last week’s rain floods are also advised to take caution in advance.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria says this warning mainly encourages locals in these communities to prepare in every way, including gathering and protecting essential belongings in their households, just in case heavy floods lead to harmful and damaging levels.
“This warning is voluntary. It is designed to encourage residents in these flood-prone communities to prepare if, or when, an evacuation order does become necessary,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “Residents in these areas should consider gathering important documents and belongings and make sure you have a plan to move yourself and your family out of harm’s way should major flooding occur. If you are willing and able, we encourage residents in these low-lying, impacted areas to seek alternative accommodations. We want to make sure we keep everyone safe as the next storm approaches.”
Text messages alerted residents of flood-prone regions such as Southcrest, Mountain View, Encanto, San Ysidro, Sorrento Valley, and Mission Valley about the evacuation.
The Municipal Gym in Balboa Park provides shelter for evacuees, and the City is actively coordinating transportation assistance for those who need it.
City officials suggest the following steps in preparing for heavy floods within the next 24 hours.
- 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.
Residents are encouraged to monitor the National Weather Service forecasts at noaa.gov and sandiego.gov/storm