Be prepared for rain, stay safe

Published on December 23, 2025

Heavy rain can create safety risks like flash flooding, fast-moving water, erosion, mudslides and road hazards from debris or potholes. The City of San Marcos monitors storm activity closely, with staff ready to respond if conditions worsen.

How to prepare before the storm starts:

• Pick up free, fill-your-own sandbags at Hollandia Park, 12 Mission Hills Ct. (San Marcos residents only) Supplies are replenished as needed. 
• Secure outdoor items like patio furniture, umbrellas or trash bins that could be blown or washed away.
• Keep storm drains clear near your property to help prevent localized flooding.
• Have an emergency kit ready with flashlights, batteries, food, water, medications and important documents.
• Stay connected. During an emergency, check the city’s website and social media for updates. To receive up-to-date emergency notifications, register your mobile phone for Alert San Diego and download the emergency app Genasys Protect
• If you need to drive, prepare your car. Check to make sure your tires are properly inflated. Check your windshield wipers and swap them out if needed. There are many online videos that show how to do this easily.

How to report issues

• To submit non-emergency related issues such as flooding, fallen trees, light outages or debris in the roadway residents can use the San Marcos city app or webpage.
• For urgent issues, please call (760) 752-7550.

Driving in the rain

If driving is necessary,

• Slow down. It takes longer to stop when roads are wet. Allow at least an extra 15 minutes to adjust for slower traffic.
• Turn on your headlights to see better and make it easier for other drivers to see you. It’s the law.
• Avoid driving through water because it can affect your brakes. Try to drive toward the middle lanes as water tends to gather in outside lanes. If you cannot avoid it, test your brakes afterward to make sure they’ve dried out and are working properly.
• Turn around, don’t drown. Never drive through a flooded roadway if you cannot see the pavement. Even a few inches of water can sweep a car, or even a truck, off the road and downstream. The same tip applies to trying to walk or swim across a flooded roadway.
• Give the cars in front of you extra distance. The spray from their vehicles can make it harder to see. Giving extra space also gives you more time to brake if you need to.
• Keep calm, don’t oversteer or slam on the brakes if you start to hydroplane or skid. The Department of Motor Vehicles says to keep the steering wheel straight and take your foot off the accelerator to slow down.
• Stay focused. Remember, it’s illegal- and dangerous- to text or use a hand-held cell phone when you’re driving.

More information
City of San Marcos disaster preparedness

National Weather Service San Diego

SDGE tips to stay safe during a storm, power outage map