Today the City of San Diego has lifted the evacuation warning that was issued to warn residents in flood-prone areas of a potential evacuation order due to heavy rain forecasted for yesterday, Thursday, Feb. 1. The warning was issued to residents who live in flood-prone areas in Southcrest, Mountain View, Encanto, San Ysidro, Sorrento Valley and Mission Valley.

The City worked with the American Red Cross to stand up a new shelter at the Municipal Gym in Balboa Park to provide a safe, dry place for people to stay. That shelter will remain operational through the weekend and into next week. As of Friday morning, approximately 100 people were checked in at the shelter.

Over the past 10 days, City crews worked non-stop to clear culverts and channels along approximately four miles of Chollas Creek, completing the work ahead of yesterday’s rain. Emergency repairs were also conducted to fix structural damage on several concrete stormwater channels. The City’s emergency declaration has allowed this work to happen immediately.

With a forecast of additional rain coming next week, starting Monday, Feb. 5, Mayor Gloria has asked the public to remain vigilant and prepared. Local forecasts by the National Weather Service indicate that a slow-moving storm will bring two to three inches of rain on Monday and Tuesday.

Sandbags are currently available at the Encanto Recreation Center and Mountain View Community Center from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. for residents in those communities. Sand and empty sandbags are also available at 10 other recreation centers in communities across the city from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The full list of locations can be found at sandiego.gov/storm.

All San Diego residents can prepare for the rains and help reduce the risk of flooding near their homes and properties by taking a few important 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 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.

The City’s website, sandiego.gov/storm, is being updated consistently and includes storm preparedness tips, safety information, lists of road closures and flooded areas and locations for shelters and sandbags.