San Diego Storm Warning: How to Prepare for Hurricane Hilary

By TD

Not only has California issued an advisory, but Hurricane Hilary could create flash flooding in San Diego County over the weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch, which will remain in effect from Saturday to Monday evening due to the potential for "rare and damaging impacts."

Click the following links for more information to help prepare you for the storm:

In addition, the City of San Diego issued the following information:

SANDBAGS AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTS AT CITY RECREATION CENTERS

With significant rain and high winds forecast over the weekend due to the impacts of Hurricane Hilary, the City of San Diego is focusing on storm preparations and taking proactive steps to prevent flooding, while also urging residents to take action to safeguard their homes, especially those in flood-prone areas. 

Starting today, the City’s Stormwater Department will be temporarily placing “no parking” signs in low-lying or flood-risk areas, especially crossings around the San Diego River. Crews will also be cleaning storm drains and inlets with a history of debris buildup, street sweeping to reduce trash and pollutants from entering our waterways, and monitoring 15 pump stations and more than 46,000 storm drains citywide for any issues. 

San Diego residents can individually prepare for the rains and 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 lid securely closed on trash and recycle bins when placing them out on the street for collection. Place each bin approximately two to three 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.  
  • Inspect your property or surroundings for loose tree branches or trees that could be vulnerable to high winds and rain and prepare accordingly. 
  • 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. 

During the rains, multiple crews from the City’s Storm Patrol will be actively monitoring areas throughout the city and responding to incidents, such as temporary flooding and downed trees or branches.   

Sandbags are also available in limited supply and can be picked up at 10 recreation centers centrally located in each City Council District. Residents with identification showing proof of residency can receive up to 10 empty sandbags.   

As the sandbags are not pre-filled, residents are encouraged to also plan to buy sand at local hardware stores, landscape suppliers or wherever else sand can be purchased. Sandbags are available at the locations listed below Monday through Friday from 1 to 7 p.m. 

  • 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 Dr.   
  • Council District 7 - Allied Gardens Recreation Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave.   
  • Council District 8 - San Ysidro Community Activity Center, 179 Diza Road.   
  • Council District 9 - City Heights Recreation Center, 4380 Landis St.   

Santa Clara Recreation Center, located at 1008 Santa Clara Pl., will serve as an additional sandbag distribution site. 

Residents can report events, such as flooding or downed trees, by using the Get It Done application or by calling 619-527-7500. If it is a life-threatening emergency, call 911. 

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

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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