UPDATED MONDAY, AUG. 21, 9:05 A.M.

Thanks to the Carlsbad community for staying prepared and keeping our roads clear during the storm. Note, trash will be delayed one day all week. 

Track storm information on the National Weather Service San Diego website:

Power outage information

Watch real time satellite images
Carlsbad-specific forecast
High surf advisory
Turn around, don't drown
State Parks is closing its beaches in Carlsbad Sunday and Monday
School closures planned (none in Carlsbad)

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by following these tips:

Trash delayed one day

Due to high winds Sunday night, trash pick up will be delayed one day in Carlsbad the week of Aug. 21. If your trash day is Monday, your trash will be picked up Tuesday. If it's Tuesday, it will be picked up Wednesday, and so on. Taking this step will help ensure trash cans don't get knocked over, where trash could be blown around neighborhoods and into storm drains.

Be careful on the roads

Avoid driving in heavy rain conditions but if the trip is necessary:

1. Slow down to avoid getting into an accident. It takes longer to stop when roads are wet.
2. Allow yourself at least an extra 15 minutes or so to arrive at your destination to adjust for slower traffic.
3. Turn on your headlights to see better and make it easier for other drivers to see you. It’s the law.
4. Defog your windows for better visibility. Rain can cause windows to fog up. Along the same lines, check your windshield wipers preferably before it rains again and replace them as needed.
5. Never drive through standing water. It only takes 6 inches of water to stall a car. 12 inches of flowing water can sweep a car off the road.
6. Avoid slamming on your brakes on wet roads. Give the cars in front of you extra distance. The spray from their vehicles — particularly from larger trucks and buses — can hamper your vision. And giving extra space to the guy in front of you also gives you more time to brake or adjust if you need to. If you start to hydroplane or skid when your tires lose traction with the wet road, The Department of Motor Vehicles says to keep the steering wheel straight and take your foot off the accelerator so your vehicle can slow down slowly.
7. Eliminate distractions and put your phone away.

Power outages

Find out about power outages on the SDGE website. Additional outages are possible. Take the following steps to prepare:

• Have a plan and kit with essential supplies. Keep a battery-operated radio and flashlights handy in case the power goes out. Check the batteries now to make sure the equipment works, and do not rely on candles for lighting during a power outage. Also make sure your cell phones are fully charged.
• If you are experiencing an outage, check sdge.com/outages for information.
• If you rely on electrically operated medical equipment for your health and safety, make sure you have made backup power arrangements in case of an outage. 

Beach safety

Avoid coastal areas during the storm. High surf and rip currents can make swimming very dangerous. The state has issued a high surf advisory for L.A. south to the border.

When thunder roars, go indoors

According to the National Weather Service, most people struck by lightning are struck not at the height of a thunderstorm but before and after the storm has peaked. Most people are unaware of how far lightning can strike from its parent thunderstorm. Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from the location of rainfall. During lightning storms, there is NO SAFE PLACE OUTSIDE. Follow these safety rules:

• Immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up.
• Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.
• Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment.
• Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets. 
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• If outdoors...these may help...never lie flat on the ground, never shelter under an isolated tree, and never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter. Immediately get out and away from bodies of water.
• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines).

Prepare for high wind

• Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
• Secure or remove items outside that could cause damage or injury if f they were to be picked up by wind (patio furniture, patio umbrellas, loose gardening items, yard décor, etc.).
• Secure loose gutters and shutters.
• Charge batteries of all essential items such as cell phones and external chargers, and power tools such as a reciprocating saw, which you might need to clear debris or a fallen tree.
• National Weather Service high wind information

Sandbag information

If your home or business is prone to flooding, the city recommends having sandbags on hand. The city has a limited number of UNFILLED sandbags available for Carlsbad residents.  Check this list of other agencies providing sandbags.

How to use sandbags

• Read this brochure for step by step instructions or watch this video. 
• Create a small dam or wall using sand bags to block or divert floodwater.
• As a general rule, you will need about 10 to 25 filled bags at a minimum for each area.
• Sandbags should be stacked similar to a brick wall, using a staggered pattern.
• Build your wall at least two bags high.
• Removing sand from the beach is illegal and harms the beach environment.

For after hours flooding or related emergencies, call 442-339-2197. For life threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1.

Save water and protect water quality

• Turn off your sprinklers until two weeks after the storm
• Avoid fertilizing your garden and using pesticides and pick up pet waste because rain can carry those things to local lagoons and the ocean

Related

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