Flooding
General Tips
- Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Never drive through barricades.
- Stay informed.
- Sign up for emergency cellphone alerts
- Download the County emergency app
- Follow the County on social media
- Listen to local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.
- Evacuate immediately if told to evacuate or if you feel unsafe.
- Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.
- Contact your healthcare provider if you are sick and need medical attention. Wait for more care instructions and shelter in place, if possible. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Visit Ready.gov to learn steps to take before, during, and after a flood.
Report Road and Drainage Issues
Department of Public Works Service Requests
If you live in the unincorporated area and need assistance with any of the following:
- Potholes
- Raised or Sunken Trench
- Rock or Mudslide
- Sweeping Request
- Glass or Debris in Roadway
- Street Lights
- Drainage
- Flooding
- Culvert or Storm Drain Plugged
- Debris/Vegetation in Channel
- Water Flows Down Driveway
- Downed, Missing, or Damaged Street Signs
Please complete the County Department of Public Works Road Service Request Form to help resolve the issue. If it is after hours, please call the 24-hr line at (858) 565-5262 to report the problem.
For incorporated jurisdictions please contact your local public works department.
How to Determine if There are Public Drainage Facilities on Your Property
Flood Control Webcams
The County has webcams at several roads that often flood. You can see the water level in real time. View webcams
Webcam locations:
- Quarry Road Dip on Spring Valley Creek in Spring Valley
- Sandia Creek Road Dip on the Santa Margarita River in Fallbrook
- Country Club Road Dip on Escondido Creek in Harmony Grove.
Read about Driving Safety In Rainy Conditions.
Protecting Your Property
Sandbags
Sandbags help to divert or redirect water, mud and debris from your property and help prevent soil erosion
For more information on flood debris and erosion control, view the Homeowner’s Guide for Flood, Debris, and Erosion Control.
Sandbags can help protect your property from major damage, but sandbags will not seal out water, which is why it is important to make sure your property is financially covered.
Insurance
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. It is important to have protection from the floods associated with heavy rains here in San Diego County. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is available to property owners to financially protect themselves.
Understanding Your Flood Risk
FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center is the official public source for flood hazard information. There, you can find official flood maps and other resources to get a better understanding of your flood risk.
San Diego flood hazard maps
Flood Hazard Area maps for local cities are in their building or planning departments.
Flood Hazard Area maps for the unincorporated areas of San Diego County are located at:
San Diego County Department of Public Works
Land Development Division
5510 Overland Ave. (Map)
Suite 210, MS 0336
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 694-2055
Residents in recent wildfire burn areas should be aware of the increased potential for mud slides, debris flow, and severe flooding. The San Diego County Adverse Weather Map displays the 100-year Floodplain, recent fire burn areas, and weather alerts.
How Much Would a Flood Cost?
It only takes a few inches of water to cause major damage to your home or business and its contents. Learn more about the cost of flooding
Stay Informed