El Centro, CA – August 17, 2023 — City of El Centro Staff are working together and coordinating with outside agencies on the progress of Hurricane Hilary. Information from the National Weather Service leads us to believe we can expect the heaviest showers and thunderstorms from Friday morning into Saturday evening. There may be up to four inches of rainfall between Saturday and Monday. Wind speed could also gust to more than 40 mph. There is a risk of flash floods throughout the region as well. We encourage everyone to stay updated regarding weather forecasts, road closures, and press releases. The City will continue to monitor and update information as necessary. Follow the City’s main Facebook page /El Centro Ca for more updates throughout the weekend.
Our Public Works Department will provide City residents and business owners whose properties are prone to flooding with sand and ten (10) free sandbags to be filled by the residents to help protect their property while supplies last. The sandbags are not pre-filled. Residents are asked to bring shovels and additional people to fill up sandbags. Sand and bags will be provided on August 18 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Old Post Office Pavilion Parking at 491 W. Olive Avenue. Proof of City of El Centro residency is required.
Our staff is committed to ensuring the safety of the citizens and visitors of El Centro, and we’re calling on you to prepare with us. Knowing your risk, getting prepared, and staying informed are just a few steps you can take to get ready for this weather event.
Know Your Risk: To search for general risk information, visit www.ready.gov. You may also check out NOAA’s historical hurricane tracks tool to check the severity and frequency of past hurricanes that have affected our area.
Get Prepared: Act now and be prepared; as the storm approaches, it is often too late. Ensure you have family evacuation and communications plans, update your emergency supply kit, and evaluate your flood insurance needs.
- Know your zone: Evacuations are more common than people realize. Remember: if a storm threatens your neighborhood and city officials say it’s time to evacuate, don’t hesitate — go early.
- Complete a family communication plan: Get together with your family and agree on contacting one another in an emergency, identify meeting locations, and make a Family Emergency Communication Plan.
- Download the FEMA app: It includes disaster resources, weather alerts, safety tips, and a new feature enabling users to receive push notifications on their devices to prepare their homes and families for disasters.
- Check your insurance coverage: Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage or losses from flooding. If you’re not insured against flood, contact your agent or visit http://www.floodsmart.gov. Renter’s insurance policies are also available and should be considered to protect your belongings.
Stay Informed: Know where to go for trusted sources of information during an emergency. Monitor local news for weather alerts, watches, and warnings in your area, and follow the directions of local officials. Make sure you have a battery-operated or hand-crank radio available should the power go out. Locally, KXO Radio AM1230 serves as the local primary Emergency Alert Station.
For additional City of El Centro resources, please like our Facebook page, or you may follow us on Instagram and Twitter. City of El Centro Storm Preparation Information can be found here. If you would like to report storm damage to Public Works during regular business hours, please call (760) 337-4505. For after-hours damage reports, please call (760) 352-2111.
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