The city of San Diego plans to take the unusual step this rainy weekend by announcing several river-crossing roads to close in the Mission Valley area in anticipation of flooding from this week's one-two-storm punch.
The San Diego River is "expected to crest and road flooding will be imminent," city officials said in the announcement. The city said that "operations are fluid based on the conditions," meaning the closures will be dependent on the storm.
As of 7:30 a.m. Friday, San Diego Police Department Officer David O'Brien said the following closures were in effect and will likely remain that way throughout the day:
- Fashion Valley Road between Riverwalk Drive and Hotel Circle North;
- Camino De La Reina between Camino De La Siesta and Avenida Del Rio;
- Mission Center Road between Hazard Center Drive and Camino De La Reina;
- Camino Del Este between Station Village Drive and Camino De La Reina;
- Qualcomm Way at Rio San Diego Drive
- San Diego Mission Road between Fairmount and Caminito Yucatan
- Ward Road at Camino Del Rio North
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"We are trying to minimize impacts by closing too early. Crews are staged and ready to close as soon as is needed," said Anna Vacchi Hill, a city spokesperson.
Here is a map of current closures:
Drivers and holiday shoppers will be sure to flood Friars Road with traffic as a result of the closures. Motorists would be wise to build in time for their plans.
Crews with the city's stormwater department will monitor the flooding and determine when the roads are safe to reopen to traffic.
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People who need to travel in the Mission Valley area were urged to exercise caution, follow all posted signage, anticipate delays and avoid driving into flooded areas.
