Winter Storm Warning Issued
for January 4th and 5th with
Potential for Flooding in San Bernardino
A winter storm warning is under effect for much of Southern California, including the San Bernardino area. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. This is expected to last through Thursday afternoon.
A wind advisory is also in effect until Thursday afternoon for much of Southern California, including the San Bernardino area. South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph expected. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
To report downed power lines or any emergency safety threats, call 911
To report fallen trees, flooded streets, potholes, malfunctioning streetlights or other non-emergency issues related to the storm, call the San Bernardino call center during normal business hours (Monday-Thursday from 7:30 am until 5:30 pm and Fridays from 7:30 am until 4:30 pm) at (909) 384-7272. After hours and on weekends, call the San Bernardino Police non-emergency line at (909) 384-5742.
Potential Impacts:
- Flooding and/or standing water at known flood-prone locations is expected. Sierra, Baseline/Waterman, Pine/Kendall, Pine/Washington, Baseline/Medical Center, Mt. View/40th, Meridian/Oak, Highland/E Street, Meridian/Birch along with various other locations can expect flooding and/or significant stormwater runoff. Waterman Canyon and Cajon Street can expect debris from runoff as well.
- Mud/silt is possible in typical areas near hills. Rockslides on Waterman Canyon Road are possible.
- This event includes a high wind warning. Ground saturation may lead to some downed trees; heavy downpours will also likely lead to falling branches and falling palm fronds.
- Traffic Signals may be impacted should electrical shortages occur due to water seeping underground. Planned power outages in anticipation of winds may also have an impact (they have not been announced yet).
Preparation Steps the City of San Bernardino is Taking:
Pre-Planning: Staff has delivered sand and sandbags to the four park locations listed below. Signs at all flood-prone locations are staged along with barricades for potential road closures as needed. The Patton drainage gate has been opened to prevent any accumulation of debris. Pre-clearing of storm drains has been ongoing since the last rain event and known flood-prone areas are being monitored.
Sand and Sandbags: Residents who need sand and sandbags can pick them up at the following locations:
- Wildwood Park - 536 E 40th St, San Bernardino
- Blair Park - 1466 West Marshall Blvd., San Bernardino
- Nunez Park - 1717 W 5th St, San Bernardino
- Lytle Creek Park - 380 S K St, San Bernardino
Planned Responses to Impacts:
- Staffing: During the rain event, all Public Works Operations & Maintenance (40+) personnel will be reassigned to monitor and clear storm drains city-wide and remove any other hazards from roadways and rights of ways.
- Additional Staffing: Crews are available to respond to any support requests related to road closures. A standby supervisor and standby employees will be available overnight to respond to any urgent issues. Traffic signals technician, City Arborist and Senior Arborist are also on standby. Should the rains grow in intensity, additional staff will be added. Stormwater personnel are also on standby (2 additional personnel).
- All major equipment is available, if needed.
- All other routine work has been postponed during this rainfall. Scheduled or reported graffiti abatement operations will be addressed after the rains end.
- Police dispatch will communicate any urgent issues to our standby supervisor for any after-hours issues.
- City contractor West Coast Arborists (tree services) will be on standby should their assistance be required for emergency tree issues. Traffic signals/electrical contractors are also available on an on-call basis per the City's maintenance service agreements.
Post Storm Clean Up:
- Depending on severity of event, clean-up crews will respond to any hazards on roads as a priority.
- Once all hazards are removed, crews will prioritize clean up as follows: arterial roads, secondary streets (neighborhoods), City-owned parking lots (to include parks).
- As with most strong storms, potholes are expected to resurface during and after the rains and showers. Weeds will resurface in many streets and sidewalks as well. Please report any potholes or road hazards to the city by calling (909) 384-7272.
- Parks will be inspected by Parks Maintenance staff and respond accordingly.
- As always, the City of San Bernardino will adjust its plan as weather conditions dictate and follow up as needed.
For more information on steps that you can take to prepare for and when a heavy rain event occurs, visit the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Flood Preparation Website at: Ready Set Go Flood – San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (sbcfire.org)