The Midwest is setting heat records this week and we’re expecting a major winter storm that promises snow, heavy winds and rain. Go figure.
County Department of Public Works (DPW) crews work all year to prepare for these kinds of storms by clearing storm channels, blowing out accumulated sand and debris from under-the-road culverts and replacing damaged culverts, all of which should help the storm water flow away from the road you are driving on.
But it’s when the wind, rain, and snow arrive that everything goes into high gear for County crews.
Right now, crews are checking equipment, sharpening chain saws, getting snowplows ready and checking stockpiles. Crew schedules are being set and if necessary, they will go on “storm patrol,” working 12-hour shifts round the clock to ensure county roads are cleared of flowing mud, and falling debris, trees and boulders. They’ll provide signs as needed to advise drivers of flooding or chain requirements.
Still, some roads will have to be closed. Which ones? Check the DPW social media sites – Facebook.com/SDCountyDPW and Twitter.com/SDCountyDPW. If the storm gets becomes severe, the DPW Emergency page will be activated with these updates, other relevant information and safety tips.
“During heavy rains, we can always count on a couple of roadways in the county to close at the dips,” said Tom Herzberger, DPW transportation manager. “These are Quarry Road on Spring Valley Creek, just off the South Bay Freeway and Paradise Valley Road; and Country Club in Harmony Grove.”
Fortunately, the county has installed webcams at each of these locations so you can monitor these crossings to see if they are open. Check them out.
Here are a few safety tips:
- Driving in the backcountry, and especially the canyon areas, during a storm can be risky. Don’t ever attempt to cross a flooded roadway if you cannot see the pavement. This is especially true at night. A small amount of water running at a high velocity can sweep a vehicle – even a large pickup truck – off the roadway and downstream. You really don’t want to make a swift-water rescue part of your weekend fun.
- If driving in the mountains in winter, make sure you have tire chains. It’s always advisable to carry extra warm clothing, a blanket or two, and extra food and water – just in case.
- Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. There are not many gas stations along the mountain roads.
- If you stop to enjoy the snow, be sure to park in a designated parking area that has been cleared. County crews tell of drivers who merely stop in the middle of the roadway – often in the path of an oncoming snow plow or motorized grader. (Your car is no match for one of these.)
- Before the storm, you can take some simple measures to protect your property by using sandbags to prevent erosion and mud flows. Free sand and bags are available at fire stations throughout the unincorporated county. View list of locations. Be sure to take a shovel.
Here is a quick video on the proper placement of sandbags
San Diego County is a great place to live with outdoor recreation that ranges from the mountains to the beaches. We don’t really get much severe weather, but when storms do roll across the county, DPW crews are out there trying to make your drive as safe as possible.
Watch a “day in the life” of a DPW crew member during a storm.
