berm built by San Diego city crews

City of San Diego crews Thursday were installing sand berms on city beaches and the Mission Bay shoreline to prepare for heavy swells anticipated with the upcoming El Niño weather pattern in the forecast this fall and winter.

The installation of the berms is expected to take several weeks -- starting on the bay and then moving along the beach shoreline to be completed by early November. The berms are installed annually and are intended to protect against flooding caused by high tides and surf.

"These berms help absorb and dissipate the energy of waves and high tides, providing an added layer of protection," said Assistant Fire Chief Rob Rezende, who oversees the city's Office of Emergency Services. "By breaking the force of the incoming waves, they reduce the risk of erosion and coastal damage. With the potential for a wetter winter and stronger storms associated with El Niño, we're taking steps now to prepare our beaches and shoreline before severe weather arrives."

Flooding in coastal areas can occur during winter storms, particularly when combined with high tides, a city statement read. Anticipated El Niño conditions could increase that risk and affect locations that do not typically experience flooding.

Last week, San Diego's Stormwater Department sent informational brochures to about 7,000 households and businesses located in high-risk flood zones -- but the city encourages all property owners and renters to consider flood insurance.

San Diego residents qualify for a 15% discount on flood insurance premiums through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program.

Residents can prepare for the stormy season by making a family emergency plan, signing up for alerts through the city, building an emergency kit and taking steps now to prepare their homes and property for flooding -- including using sandbags and other methods to protect structures from wet weather, the city statement read.

Additionally, the city's stormwater department is continuing efforts to reduce flood risk and strengthen stormwater systems. Over the past fiscal year, stormwater crews maintained more than 11 miles of channels, prioritizing areas impacted by the January 2024 floods and other locations known to experience flooding during heavy rains.

According to the city, crews have also inspected more than 30,000 storm drain inlets, increased cleaning in areas that historically accumulate debris and completed preventive maintenance at all 15 stormwater pump stations to ensure they are fully operational.

To find out if your home is in a floodplain, visit sandiego.gov/floodplain. For more information and resources on how to properly prepare before a storm, go to the city's El Niño readiness website at sandiego.gov/elnino.