City urges preparation for local effects from Hurricane Hilary

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City of Redlands staff, including public safety, facilities and engineering staff, continue to monitor local conditions due to Tropical Storm Hilary. Crews are on standby this weekend to address any potential impacts from anticipated heavy rain and windy conditions.

Increasing tropical moisture from Hurricane Hilary, currently off the coast of Mexico, is expected to bring widespread rain, stormy weather, gusty winds and potential flash flooding to the Inland Empire beginning Saturday through Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

The City has depleted its supply of sandbags and bags are no longer available from the County of San Bernardino. Fill sand and shovels are still available at the City Yard at 1270 W. Park Ave. for residents who want to fill empty sandbags. 

The City’s Emergency Operations Division is taking the opportunity to remind residents and businesses of precautionary measures they can take to protect their own health, safety and property.

Non-emergency flood related issues should be reported to the Facilities and Community Services Department at (909) 798-7655. For any emergency situation that presents an imminent threat to life or property, call 911.

While the City regularly works to mitigate flooding, including regularly inspecting, repairing and cleaning the storm drain system and trimming trees along heavily traveled roads, significant rainfall can overwhelm the City’s existing flood control system and cause localized flooding on City streets and in the Zanja and San Timoteo Canyon area.

Residents are encouraged to take appropriate precautions to protect private property, including:

  • Check rain gutters and drains to make sure they are clear of debris to help keep water from building up on or around your home.
  • Make sure all irrigation systems are OFF to avoid adding to already saturated areas. City of Redlands irrigation restrictions prohibit watering landscaping within 48 hours of rainfall.
  • If you have experienced land movement around your home, watch for water or natural gas leaks associated with shifting soils.  While relatively uncommon, an ongoing water leak can compound flood conditions.
  • Drive safely.  Most injuries during stormy weather are directly related to traffic accidents associated with the weather. If you can make fewer trips or avoid being on the road during the storms, all the better.
  • Turn Around, Don’t Drown® Never drive through flooded roadways. If you come to an area that is covered with flood water, you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water. Road beds may be washed out under flood waters.
    • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
    • A foot of water will float many vehicles.
    • Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and report wires down, significant mud slides, fallen trees or substantial flooding.

Additional information is available at the Emergency Management page on the City’s website at: https://www.cityofredlands.org/emergency-services to help residents prepare for heavy rain and potential flood conditions.

For further information, visit the following sites.