Del Mar and Solana Beach are offering free sandbags to residents preparing for Tropical Storm Rachel, which could bring rain, high surf and coastal flooding starting late Saturday, Oct. 10.
San Diego County announced Thursday, Oct. 8, that it and CAL FIRE are distributing free sand and bags at locations across the county. The storm, forecast to make landfall about 100 miles south of San Diego in northern Baja California early Sunday, Oct. 11, could bring 0.5 to 2 inches of rain to the region, according to the National Weather Service.
As we reported Oct. 7, the county has already declared a local emergency for the El Niño season.
Where to pick up sandbags
Del Mar: 2240 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Weekday hours are 7:30–11:30 a.m. and 12:30–4 p.m. Proof of Del Mar residency is required, with a limit of 10 bags per resident. Call (858) 755-3294 to confirm weekend availability, since listed hours cover Monday through Friday only.
Solana Beach: City Hall, 635 S. Highway 101. Sand and bags are self-service in the parking lot. Call (858) 720-2470 to confirm access times.
Rancho Santa Fe and unincorporated areas: Residents can find the nearest county or CAL FIRE distribution site using the AlertSanDiego sandbag map or by calling 2-1-1. The county advises calling ahead to check supply and bringing a shovel to fill bags.
What the storm could bring
National Weather Service meteorologist Casey Oswant told The Desert Sun on Thursday, Oct. 8, that impacts could begin as early as late Saturday. Showers may linger through Tuesday, Oct. 13.
A coastal flood advisory is in effect through 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13. NBC 7 San Diego reported waves up to 7 feet are possible on south-facing beaches. The combination of elevated tides in the 6.5- to 7-foot range and increased surf raises the risk of coastal flooding and beach erosion, according to the NWS.
The storm track remains uncertain.
San Diego County Public Works Director Marisa Barrie said in an Oct. 5 San Diego Union-Tribune report that residents should prepare ahead of heavy rains. "Bring a shovel if you have one to make it easier for you," Barrie said at the time.
How to report problems
Residents can report flooding or clogged drains on county-maintained roads through the county's Tell Us Now! app or by calling (877) 684-8000. The NWS advises residents to continue monitoring forecasts through Sunday, Oct. 11, and into next week.
