SAN DIEGO, CA (November 4, 2015) – The Committee on the Environment today approved directing the City Attorney to prepare a declaration for a local State of Emergency in the City of San Diego in order to expeditiously prepare and clear out storm channels that have been identified as high flood risks in advance of winter storms.  The Committee also requested the Governor to declare a State of Emergency in order to expedite maintenance and preparation for El Niño.

According to scientists at Scripps, there is at least a 95% chance that El Niño weather conditions will hit San Diego this winter and very likely continue through the spring.
In anticipation of upcoming El Niño winter storms, at last month’s Environment meeting, Committee Chair Alvarez requested the City declare a State of Emergency.  Today, the Committee directed the City’s Transportation and Storm Water staff to file appropriate emergency permits with all appropriate regulatory agencies.  

“Declaring a State of Emergency in anticipation of intense El Nino conditions this winter will ensure that the City is doing all it can to safeguard residents and businesses from flooding,” said Alvarez.  “I will continue to work closely with city staff, and outside regulators like the Regional Water Quality Control Board and Army Corp of Engineers to ensure that San Diego is prepared for the upcoming winter storms,” concluded Alvarez.

Alvarez has created a website with information to assist residents with any questions and resources needed to prepare for El Niño, including up-to-date maps of high risk areas:  bereadysandiego.org

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