City Prepares Residents for Upcoming Rainy Season

September 11, 2026

The City of San Diego is distributing flood-preparedness educational materials to approximately 7,000 properties located in high-risk flood zones as the rainy season and a potentially strong El Niño weather pattern approach. The initiative is part of a broader educational campaign launched this month to help residents prepare for extreme weather conditions, particularly targeting areas that have experienced previous flooding. The city has been actively maintaining its stormwater infrastructure, including cleaning over 30,000 storm drain inlets and maintaining channels throughout the system.

Who is affected

Approximately 7,000 households and businesses in high-risk flood zones receiving educational flyers
All San Diego residents (eligible for 15% flood insurance discount and subject to potential flooding)
Property owners and renters citywide
Residents who have experienced previous flooding or weather impacts

What action is being taken

The City is sending educational flood-preparedness flyers to 7,000 properties
The City is running an educational campaign encouraging residents to prepare for extreme weather
Stormwater crews are maintaining channels, with over 11 miles maintained in the past fiscal year
Crews are inspecting more than 30,000 storm drain inlets
Teams are increasing cleaning in debris-prone areas
The City is completing preventive maintenance at all 15 stormwater pump stations
Teams are replacing deteriorated storm drain segments
The Stormwater Department is providing year-round maintenance including clearing vegetation and debris

Why it matters

This preparedness effort is significant because a strong El Niño weather system is forecasted for fall and winter, which could bring unusually wet conditions to San Diego. Properties that have flooded previously face high likelihood of flooding again during future rain events, making proactive preparation essential to protect lives and property. The city's comprehensive approach combining public education, infrastructure maintenance, and insurance accessibility helps reduce flood risk and potential damage across the community, particularly in vulnerable high-risk zones that have experienced flooding in 2024.

What's next

The City plans to expand channel maintenance work to more than 20 miles in FY27 (from 11 miles in the past fiscal year)
The FY27 budget includes an additional $1 million to expand and accelerate maintenance work ahead of the rainy season

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint