Dear neighbor,

With the news of Hurricane Hilary heading toward our region, I want to reassure you that the City of San Diego is vigilant and prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to the impacts this storm may bring. 

While we don’t yet know what the intensity of the storm will be when it reaches us, we are taking proactive steps to mitigate flooding.

Over the last several days, City crews have been cleaning storm drains and inlets that have a history of debris buildup. Crews also have been sweeping streets to reduce trash and pollutants that could end up blocking storm drains.

The Stormwater Department is placing “no parking” signs in low-lying or flood-risk areas, especially crossings around the San Diego River.

We will be continuously monitoring 15 pump stations and more than 46,000 storm drains citywide for any issues so we can address them quickly.

We have been in communication with our partners at FEMA, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the County of San Diego to ensure a coordinated and effective response as needs arise.

With regard to our unsheltered population, the City’s Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department has been working to ensure our shelter system and unsheltered residents have the resources they need to stay safe.

The San Diego Housing Commission is activating our inclement weather shelters.

The City’s Outreach Teams, in partnership with the San Diego River Park Foundation, Park Rangers and Caltrans are working in the areas along the San Diego River, where there may be flooding, to warn individuals there of the risk and encourage them to accept shelter at vacant beds currently in the system.

The 157 people at the 20^th and B Safe Sleeping site will be temporarily relocated to Golden Hall, into the space recently occupied by families who have moved to a new shelter in Barrio Logan.

What You Should Do to Prepare

With the top concern being flooding, make sure water has somewhere to go. Sweep and pick up trash, leaves, grass clippings and other debris that collect around storm drains in your neighborhood and clear the rain gutters on your home.

Place sandbags around your property. The City has sandbags available at 10 recreation centers around the city.

Prepare to shelter in place during the storm. Make sure your phone and other devices are fully charged in case the power goes out and make sure the batteries in your flashlights are working.

Should Hurricane Hillary hit our city, prioritize your safety.

Please stay indoors and avoid any unnecessary travel.

If you must travel, do not drive, ride or walk through flood waters. Remember that what looks like a big puddle can actually be quite deep and be extremely dangerous.

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.  

As always, if there is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.

Get more information on the City’s online Storm Preparedness Center, and follow the City of San Diego on social media for real-time updates. Our handle on Twitter and Instagram is @CityofSanDiego. SDG&E also has information on potential storm impacts, including power outages.

Rest assured, City crews and first responders are ready to respond to impacts and emergencies, and we appreciate you doing your part to stay safe.