County encourages residents to prepare for storms

A series of intense winter storms is bearing down on San Diego County with rainfall amounts expected to be heavy, especially in the foothills and mountains, the county reported today. With intense rainfall over several days, there is a strong possibility of stream flooding with resulting road closures and mud and debris flows, especially in the areas impacted by recent wildfires.

“I urge county residents to be prepared,” said Pam Slater-Price, chairwoman of the County Board of Supervisors. “Water can do a lot of damage to your home and property. We need the rain, but we don’t need it in our living rooms.”

County public works crews have been checking storm channels and culverts, inspecting stream monitoring systems, and preparing snow plows and other equipment that may be needed. The department also has rehabilitated several culverts, which are large storm drains that pass under roads or other structures.

Residents are encouraged to prevent erosion and damage on their own properties by getting free sand and bags available at the following fire stations in unincorporated areas of the county. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels.:

• CalFire, Mount Woodson Station, 16310 Highway 67, Ramona

• 1587 Highway 78, Julian

• 28205 North Lake Wohlford Road, Valley Center

• 16971 Highway 76, Valley Center

• 1364 Tavern Road, Alpine

• North County Fire Protection, Station Four, 4375 Pala Mesa Drive, Fallbrook

• Dulzura Fire Station, 17304 Highway 94, Dulzura

For additional storm information and road closure notices, visit the County Department of Public Works emergency Web site page at sdcounty.ca.gov/dpw/emergency.html or get updates at Twitter.com/sdcountydpw.