Poway residents can pick up free sandbags at three locations across the city as forecasters warn of a potentially historic El Niño winter.

San Diego's rainy season began Oct. 1. The City of Poway is providing unfilled sandbags and loose sand at three sites, according to a city flood safety notice:

  • Garden Road — parking lot across from Garden Road Elementary School
  • Midland Road — parking lot across from Old Poway Park
  • Old Coach staging area — Old Coach Road, north of Butterfield Trail

The sand and bags are free. The city did not list hours of operation or quantity limits. Residents can call Poway Public Works at 858-668-4700 to confirm availability.

El Niño forecast

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is reporting a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño event this fall and winter, with a seasonal outlook favoring above-normal precipitation across Southern California, Claims Journal reported. NOAA's Climate Prediction Center puts the odds at 75% that this El Niño will become "historic" from October through December, according to SFGate.

AccuWeather senior meteorologist Paul Pastelok said on Wednesday, Oct. 7, that El Niño "is probably going to be one of the more dominant signals that we see this winter season … it's going to probably be almost at record levels."

Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency on Sept. 21 to mobilize state resources ahead of potential El Niño storms. The proclamation directs agencies to stage flood-fighting supplies and prepare the California National Guard for flood response, according to the governor's office.

What homeowners should do now

The city urged property owners to inspect, clean and repair rain gutters, rooftops and yard drains, and to address any problems noticed during last year's rains.

Property owners are responsible for maintaining creeks and private drainage facilities on their land, the city said. Permits may be required for work within natural creeks. Routine maintenance such as removing fallen trees, yard waste, leaves and dense vegetation generally does not need a permit.

Residents unsure whether a drainage facility or creek on their property is city-maintained can contact Poway Development Services at 858-668-4600.

Flood safety and insurance

The city noted that as little as six inches of water on a road can reach the bottom of most cars, causing stalling or loss of control.

Poway participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which makes flood insurance available to all residents, including those whose properties have previously flooded. Residents can check whether their property sits in a mapped flood hazard area using the city's online Geographic Information System at powaygis.poway.org, under the "Flood Plain Information" map theme.

Flood maps are available at Poway City Hall and the Poway Community Library. Elevation certificates for buildings constructed in the floodplain since 1995 are available by calling Development Services at 858-668-4655 or 858-668-4600.

To report flooding, residents can call Poway Public Works at 858-668-4700 during business hours or 858-668-4751 after hours, or use the free Poway CityApp.