The safety of our customers, communities and employees is paramount to us, and we are taking proactive steps to prepare for the approaching winter storm. Our meteorology team is closely monitoring conditions and according to initial weather forecasts, a widespread and significant winter storm is approaching and expected to arrive in San Diego Tuesday morning through early Wednesday morning with the following details: 

• Heavy rain and strong winds Tuesday morning through early Wednesday morning with wind gusts of 45-55 mph along the coasts and up to 50-70 mph for the ridges.  
• Isolated thunderstorms possible Tuesday late morning/early afternoon, with total storm rainfall: 
  • Coast/Valleys: 1.0 – 2.0 inches 
  • Mountains: 2.0 – 3.0 inches 
• Light snowfall (up to 2.0 inches) is expected for mountains above 4,000’ 

To prepare for the incoming statewide atmospheric river, we’re focusing on providing safety tips to our customers and employees to ensure we’re prepared at home and as a region.  

This video provides storm safety tips that we encourage everyone to follow.

Don’t touch downed power lines 

It’s important to remember that saturated soil and gusty winds can cause trees to topple and branches to blow into power lines causing major safety hazards. We cannot stress enough that if you witness a tree or branch in a power line, do not try to remove it yourself, instead:  

• Stay clear and do not touch the line or any other equipment 
• Call 911 and SDG&E at (800) 411-SDGE (7343) to report the incident 
• Always assume that power lines are energized 

Secure loose items 

Another common cause of power outages during storms is flying debris, including items like patio furniture, umbrellas and garbage bins. Customers can help prevent these outages by securing all outdoor items in their yards, near their pools and on their balconies. If there is no safe place to store garbage bins, simply fill them with water or sandbags to weigh them down. 
  

Drive safe 

Safe driving on wet roads should also be a top priority. When roads are coated with rainwater, drivers need more time and cars need more distance to stop, so be extra cautious and slow down. During rainy conditions, the number of cars hitting transformers or power poles increases.    

SDG&E’s top priority is the safety of our community and employees, so we encourage everyone to use extra caution when driving near SDG&E crews at work. 

For additional storm safety tips, visit sdge.com/safety. For the latest rain, wind and temperature forecast by community, visit SDGEweather.com. You can also check our online outage map or mobile app for the latest outage information.