Updated 12/23/2021: City of San Diego Closes River Crossings to Traffic in Mission Valley Ahead of Storm; MAJOR RAINFALL ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY EXPECTED TO CREST SAN DIEGO RIVER AND FLOOD AREA ROADS.
SAN DIEGO – To prioritize safety for residents, the City of San Diego will be closing several river-crossing roads in the Mission Valley area starting at 5 p.m. tonight, Thursday, Dec. 23, in anticipation of the upcoming storm. Based on estimated rainfall amounts, the San Diego River is expected to crest and road flooding will be imminent.
The following roads will be impacted by closures:
- Camino De La Reina between Camino De La Siesta and Avenida Del Rio.
- San Diego Mission Road between Fairmount and Caminito Yucatan.
- Mission Center Road between Hazard Center Drive and Camino De La Reina.
- Camino Del Este between Station Village Drive and Camino De La Reina.
- Qualcomm Way at Rio San Diego Drive.
- Ward Road at Camino Del Rio North.
Crews with the City of San Diego’s Stormwater Department will monitor the flooding and determine when the roads are safe to reopen to traffic. If you need to travel in the Mission Valley area this evening, please exercise caution, follow all posted signage and anticipate delays. Drivers are reminded not to enter flooded areas. To report flooding or storm damage, call 619-527-7500.
STORMWATER ENDS UP UNTREATED IN LOCAL WATERWAYS; CITY AND RESIDENTS CAN TAKE ACTIONS TO ENSURE CLEAN WATER AND CLEAN BEACHES
From City of San Diego Communications Department: With rain in the forecast this week, the City of San Diego is taking proactive steps to prevent flooding and protect water quality 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, cleaning storm drains and inlets with a history of debris buildup, street sweeping to reduce trash and pollutants from entering our waterways, and monitoring more than 46,000 storm drains citywide for any issues.
“Crews are working hard to make sure we are as prepared as possible ahead of the coming storm by proactively inspecting pump stations and protecting areas vulnerable to flooding,” said Kris McFadden, Director of the City’s Stormwater Department. “We’re asking San Diegans to ‘Think Blue’ and do their part to help prevent rainfall from carrying pollution into our local waterways and the ocean. Taking a couple steps today will ensure we have clean water and clean beaches for all of us tomorrow.”
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.
- 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.
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.
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 nine 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 only Monday through Friday from 1 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 2 p.m.
- Council District 1 – Standley Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Drive.
- Council District 2 – Robb Athletic Field, 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 – North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4421 Bannock Ave.
- 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.
Visit the newly relaunched ThinkBlue.org to find out more about the Stormwater Department’s mission and how you can help ensure clean water and clean beaches for all of San Diego.
San Diego County Resources: Rain Around the Corner; Get Free Sand Bags from County, CAL FIRE; information at https://www.countynewscenter.com/rain-around-the-corner-get-free-sand-bags-from-county-cal-fire/
