Did Hilary’s brief, relatively mild August cameo in the region lull us into complacency? Or were we prepared, ready for what ever any storm might blow our way?
In the days and final hours preceding last summer’s tropical storm that visited San Diego County the predictions of what the event would do to the area were varied, though most bordered on potentially disastrous.
Responsible news outlets and social media accounts warned of heavy winds and rainfall swamping the area while others claimed and crowed that a hurricane would wallop the region and leave the area devastated.
Shortly after the rain started falling and wind started blowing the sense of urgency was replaced by a feeling of dissatisfaction. Most of the cities in the county saw the kind of activity that accompanies a heavy storm. Nothing extraordinary—unless you were east of the San Diego mountains or living north of the county where the tropical storm did significant damage.
“Is that it?” seemed to be the general feeling accompanying the skepticism that bloomed as the storm passed.
Meteorologists and environmental experts were, of course, relieved that no major catastrophes befell the region, but there was concern that “next time” warnings of a predicted significant storm would would fall on deaf ears.
Roughly five months later a magnificent downpour dumped tanker loads of water on the county. Monday’s storm left almost two inches of rain in Chula Vista and National City, and nearly three in San Diego.
Videos circulated online and via news outlets of flooded streets whisking away automobiles that had been caught up in rivers that suddenly appeared on city streets. Millions of dollars in damage is expected and a state of emergency declaration is intended to bring in some federal money to aid in repairs.
Clearly, there is nothing that can be done to prevent acts of nature from occurring. Storms will happen, even in sunny Southern California. But we can act to mitigate the damage we sustain publicly and personally
Municipal infrastructure—pipes, sewer systems, waste abatement—should be among the priorities of all current and would-be elected officials.
Just because hurricanes and storms sometimes peter out doesn’t mean they all fizzle. As Monday’s storm demonstrated we need to be prepared. Better safe than soggy.
