Rain or shine, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) is preparing year-round for heavy rain, never knowing when the next big storm will hit. The National Weather Service predicts wet weather will hit San Francisco starting Tuesday afternoon, lasting until at least Friday. 

To prepare for rain, the SFPUC’s Storm Watch Team has been tracking the weather and checking low-lying neighborhoods on a regular basis and more frequently during storms. This team also strategically deploys the SFPUC Strike Team, y to clear away dirt and leaves off the top of catch basins (also, and the Sewer Operations crews to vacuum out debris using giant (vac-con) trucks.

The expected heavy rains can overwhelm the combined sewer system with potential neighborhood flooding. 

We encourage everyone to prepare ahead of the rains. You can find a list of resources available to help minimize impacts of heavy rains at sfwater.org/rainreadySF. While City crews prepare San Francisco for the rains, improving stormwater management and flood resilience across the City is a partnership between government agencies and residents. If your property or business is located in low-lying neighborhoods are urged to take proactive steps to protect your properties by elevating belongings and moving vehicles to higher ground. To help go above and beyond these simple measures, since last winter the SFPUC has also been updating our Floodwater Management Grant Assistance Program to make it easier for property owners to access this vital resource and help minimize the impacts of heavy rains on their properties.

​Pick up sandbags from Public Works; up to 10 free sandbags leading up to and during severe rainstorms. 

Mostly importantly, if you experience issues such as localized flooding, sewage backup or clogged catch basins,  please contact 311 at www.sf311.org, or by calling 3-1-1. ​​​​​​​

Our crews are working hard to minimize flooding impacts and hope you will also take precautions to ensure the safety of your family and property.