City of San Diego gives update on storm recovery, preparedness

SAN DIEGO — The City of San Diego is updating the public Monday a week after flash floods caused widespread damage across the county.

Nearly four inches of rain fell Monday, Jan. 22 in a time span of just a few hours in some areas of the county. It was the city’s rainiest day ever in January and the fourth wettest day on record.

The torrential downpours caused damage across the county. Some areas were under several feet of water. Roads and highways across the county were flooded and closed to traffic. Cars were taken in rivers of water and mud. Hundreds of people had to be rescued from their rooftops and vehicles.

Officials from the City of San Diego on Monday afternoon held a news conference to update the public on storm recovery and preparedness.

San Diego flood help: What to do if you were impacted by the floods

In Monday’s update, City officials say an incident management team has been established. More than 31 tons of mud, debris, trash and bulky items have been removed from flood impacted areas like Southcrest, Shelltown, Mountain View, Encanto, and other areas.

The City asks that residents refrain from dumping debris on streets or curbside. City crews will be providing large roll off bins for debris disposal in impacted areas.

City stormwater crews are focusing on channels from Beta and Birch streets to Oceanview Blvd. and along Imperial Ave and Encanto.

Emergency contractors are continuing to clear seven channel locations near National and 33rd Street and Federal Ave. and Home Ave.

Teams working with City Environmental Services Department are assisting with removal of hazardous material like paint, oil and batteries.

City staff are going door to door on the most affected blocks, notifying community members of impending work to be done. A 24-hour no parking notice will be posted on streets ahead of any needed street work. If vehicles are left on those streets, officers will contact the owner. But if they can’t be moved, they will be impounded, City officials noted.

Empty sandbags will be available at 10 City recreations centers from 1-7 p.m. through Friday. Sand will be available starting Tuesday at the rec center locations. The City asks residents bring their own shovels to fill sandbags.

Prefilled sandbags will be delivered to the most impacted residents.

The City is creating donation centers in the most impacted areas to connect people in need with resources and is reminding residents of the County Assistance Center that opened this week. On its first day open, hundreds of flood impacted San Diegans visited the resource center.

The City is also offering MTS transport for anyone impacted by the flash floods that has no other way of getting to the Assistance Center.

Shelltown residents share stories of survival from flooding

Saturday, Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas announced San Diego County will qualify for state flood relief funds.

This comes after the City of San Diego, the City of Coronado and the Governor of California each declared a state of emergency to aid recovery efforts from the Jan. 22 winter storm.

“I am deeply grateful to Governor Newsom and CalOES for their swift action in approving the County of San Diego’s request for aid under the California Disaster Assistance Act,” said Chairwoman Vargas. “This support will play a critical role in the road to recovery ahead across the County. Collaboration like this demonstrates the strength and impact between state and local municipalities. As we pivot to recovery, I remain committed to bringing resources to our community.”

San Diego County is urging residents impacted by the winter storm and flooding to fill out the online damage assessment survey to help determine how much disaster relief assistance the county will receive.

South Bay laundromat offering free washes to those affected by flooding

“These funds will help us rebuild vital infrastructure damaged by the Jan. 22 storm,” said Chairwoman Vargas. “They will help the County and other governments in the region recover from and withstand future flooding emergencies.”

Efforts remain underway by the city and county for storm preparedness for upcoming storms.

Click here for all you need to know if you were impacted by the floods. Click here if you want to help donate to those affected.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.