San Diego County didn’t have to deal with the “atmospheric river” of rain that swamped Northern and Central California this week. However, we’ve still gotten a lot more rain so far this winter than expected — two to five times as much in some areas in December 2016 than December 2015, when El Niño was raising fears of big rains.
With more rain expected this week, and months of winter still ahead, residents in unincorporated areas can get free sand and bags to help protect their properties from possible flooding and erosion.
Rain can increase the risk of flooding and soil erosion, especially in places not covered by lawns, trees, shrubs and plants. Rain can carry water runoff, mud and debris downstream and damage homes, clog storm drains and culverts, and flood and damage roadways.
Locations for free sand and bags are listed below; just bring a shovel to fill the sandbags.
Alpine: Alpine Fire Protection District, Station 17: 1364 Tavern Road (Bags only)Bonita: Bonita/Sunnyside Fire Protection District: 4900 Bonita RoadBoulevard: Boulevard Fire Department, 40080 Ribbonwood RoadDulzura: CAL FIRE Station 30: 17304 Highway 94Fallbrook: North County Fire Protection District, Station 4: 4375 Pala Mesa DriveJulian: CAL FIRE Station 50: 1587 Highway 78Pauma Valley-Rincon: CAL FIRE Station 70: 16971 Highway 76Ramona: CAL FIRE Ramona Fire Station: 3410 Dye Road, RamonaValley Center: Valley Center Fire Protection District Station 2: 28205 North Lake Wohlford Road
December was very wet all around San Diego County. Statistics from the National Weather Service show that San Diego’s Lindbergh Field got 4.2 inches of rain in December. That was nearly four times the rain it got in December 2015 and 275 percent of its normal rainfall. Carlsbad got 4.82 inches, nearly five times December 2015 and 280 percent of normal. Ramona got 5.39 inches, more than double its December 2015 total and 241 percent of normal. Campo got 4.29 inches, nearly 2 ½ times what it got in December 2015 and 189 percent of normal.
(San Diego County News Center)