As San Diego continues to recover from the devastating floods caused by a recent historic storm, Mayor Todd Gloria has issued a warning to residents about an approaching second storm set to bring heavy rainfall next week.

According to the city's statement, local forecasts indicate that a slow-moving storm will bring two to three inches of rain on Monday and Tuesday. With the memory of the previous storm's destruction still fresh, Mayor Gloria is urging the public to remain vigilant and prepared to minimize the potential impact of this upcoming weather event.

The previous storm, which struck San Diego with unprecedented intensity, caused widespread flooding that left roadways, commercial districts, and residential neighborhoods underwater. In fact, the highest 24-hour rainfall amounts in San Diego since 1850 were recorded on January 22 during that storm, as reported by the National Weather Service. This immense inundation led to the declaration of states of emergency by the city, county, and Governor Gavin Newsom.

Since then, authorities have been working tirelessly to prevent further destruction. Mayor Gloria highlighted the steps taken, including monitoring tens of thousands of storm drains, to mitigate the impact of future storms. He also emphasized the importance of proactive vigilance, especially for those living or working in flood-prone areas.

To help those affected by the recent storms, the city and the San Diego Housing Commission have opened a 50-room shelter at a former hotel site in the Midway district. City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera commended the collaborative effort between the city, county, the Housing Commission, and the state of California, showcasing the ability to create creative housing solutions in times of crisis.

The city also provided a list of proactive measures residents can take to prepare for the upcoming storm. These include clearing debris around storm drains, placing sandbags where necessary, securing trash and recycle bins, and turning off irrigation to minimize runoff. Additionally, residents are advised to know the safest routes in case of flooding, sign up for Alert San Diego notifications, and avoid driving, riding, or walking through floodwaters.

For those in need of sandbags, the county has compiled a list of locations where they can be obtained. The city of San Diego has already started distributing sandbags at Encanto Neighborhood Park, where residents have been seen loading up their cars.

Amidst the preparations for the upcoming storm, special attention is being given to the homeless communities, particularly those living along the San Diego River. Many of them are still dealing with the aftermath of the previous floods, with some narrowly escaping harm. Homeless outreach workers from PATH and the San Diego River Foundation, together with city teams, are making efforts to inform and assist these vulnerable individuals ahead of the approaching storm.

While the second storm may pose additional challenges, the city remains committed to safeguarding its residents and minimizing the impact. Mayor Gloria encourages the community to stay informed, prepared, and connected as San Diego braces for another round of heavy rain in the coming week.