Mayor Gloria Proclaims Local Emergency in City of San Diego for El Niño Season

The proclamation follows emergency declarations by the State of California and County of San Diego and comes as the City continues extensive preparations ahead of the rainy season. The local emergency allows the City to use emergency authorities available under state and local law and supports the City’s ability to seek state and federal assistance. 

“Being ready for severe weather means doing the work now, before storms arrive,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “That’s what we’ve been doing for months – clearing storm channels, strengthening our infrastructure, coordinating emergency plans and helping San Diegans prepare. Declaring a local emergency now gives us additional tools and flexibility to build on that work and respond quickly when severe weather arrives. We’re doing everything we can today to keep San Diegans safe tomorrow.”

Since this summer, the City’s Office of Emergency Services has coordinated a Citywide El Niño Preparedness Working Group, bringing together departments and operational teams to identify vulnerabilities, strengthen emergency plans and coordinate with regional partners. As part of that work, the City launched Stay Ready, San Diego, a public preparedness campaign to provide residents and businesses with information and resources to prepare for severe weather and other emergencies.

Preparations already underway include:

• Clearing and maintaining more than 11 miles of storm channels;

• Preparing for public sandbag distribution;

• Reviewing evacuation routes and emergency access points;

• Installing protective berms along beaches and the Mission Bay shoreline;

• Preparing for debris removal and extreme weather response;

• Conducting Emergency Operations Center responder training;

• Reviewing critical vendors and contracts to ensure resources are available when needed; and

• Providing residents and businesses with emergency preparedness information through Stay Ready, San Diego. 

The City is preparing for the possibility of heavier-than-usual rainfall, stronger surf, beach erosion, flooding, mudslides, power outages, downed trees and impacts to public infrastructure during the El Niño season. 

The proclamation will remain in effect for seven days unless ratified by the San Diego City Council. The City Council is set to consider the ratification of the local emergency at their regular meeting on Tuesday, October 6. If ratified, the local emergency will remain in effect until the City Council terminates it. 

Residents Encouraged to Prepare Now

San Diegans should use the time before significant rain arrives to prepare their homes, businesses and families. Residents are encouraged to know whether they live in a flood-prone area, make an emergency plan, prepare an emergency kit and stay informed about changing weather conditions.

Through Stay Ready, San Diego, residents can find information and resources to prepare their households, businesses and families for severe weather and other emergencies.

For preparedness information and resources, visit [sandiego.gov/elnino].