San Diego Prepares for Incoming Storm, Focuses on Flood-Prone Areas

City crews work to clear storm drains and channels ahead of expected heavy rainfall next week.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

The City of San Diego is ramping up flood preparations ahead of an incoming storm expected to hit the region early next week. Crews have been working throughout the year to clear storm drains and channels, especially in flood-prone areas like Southcrest, Mission Valley, and Sorrento Valley. The city will be monitoring nearly 46,000 storm drains and has deployed pumps and sandbags, as well as increased maintenance along Chollas Creek. Officials are urging residents to report any flooding or blocked drains using the city's Get It Done app so crews can respond quickly.

Why it matters

San Diego has experienced devastating flooding in recent years, with the Southcrest neighborhood particularly hard hit. The city is taking a proactive approach this time to prevent a repeat of those events and minimize the impact on residents and businesses.

The details

City crews have been focused on clearing debris and vegetation from storm channels, including increased maintenance along Chollas Creek. They've also been working to ensure storm drains are not blocked so water can flow freely once the rain starts. The city will have employees ready to respond to any flooding or storm-related issues as soon as they are reported.

  • The incoming storm is expected to hit San Diego County early next week.
  • The extra flood preparation efforts have been ongoing throughout the year.

The players

Ramon Galindo

A senior public information officer with the City of San Diego.

Southcrest

A San Diego neighborhood that experienced devastating flooding in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“We've been doing a lot of channel maintenance throughout the year.”

— Ramon Galindo, Senior Public Information Officer, City of San Diego (10news.com)

“We've had crews out there in those areas cleaning the drains so that there's not accumulation — so the water can keep flowing once it does start raining.”

— Ramon Galindo, Senior Public Information Officer, City of San Diego (10news.com)

What’s next

The city will have employees ready to respond to any flooding or storm-related issues as soon as they are reported by residents using the Get It Done app.

The takeaway

San Diego's proactive approach to flood preparation, including clearing storm drains and channels, demonstrates the city's commitment to protecting its residents and businesses from the potential impacts of severe weather events.