With heavy rainfall expected to begin on Tuesday afternoon and continue through the holiday week, the City of Murrieta and Murrieta Fire & Rescue are taking proactive measures to ensure public safety and mitigate potential flooding.
The Municipal Services Department’s street crews are currently operating at full capacity to prepare the city’s infrastructure in anticipation of the upcoming rainstorm. Crews are focused on inspections of storm drains, inlets, and channels to remove debris and maximize water flow, staging “caution” and “flooded” signs in areas historically susceptible to flooding, including Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Kalmia Street, and locations along Murrieta Creek, and working to patch potholes and secure road surfaces ahead of the heavy rain saturation.
Due to predicted rainfall amounts and the likelihood of Murrieta Creek rising, residents should plan for the following street closures: Kalmia Street (from 2nd Street to Hayes Avenue) and Briggs Road (from Los Alamos to Porth Road).
To assist residents in protecting their property, sand and sandbags have been staged at Fire Station 1 at 41825 Juniper St., Fire Station 2 at 40060 California Oaks Rd, and the Municipal Services Department Yard at Fig Street and Jefferson Avenue. Residents needing sandbags are encouraged to bring their own shovels.
Weather events, much like wildfires, can develop and shift rapidly. Murrieta Fire & Rescue urges all residents to follow these critical safety guidelines:
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown: Never drive through flooded roadways. It only takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars.
- Lights On, Wipers On: It is California law to have your headlights on if your windshield wipers are in continuous use.
- Reduce Speed: Wet roads significantly increase braking distance. Slow down and allow extra space between vehicles.
- Stay Informed: Monitor local weather reports and city social media channels for real-time updates on road conditions.
The City of Murrieta urges residents to monitor official fire, police, and city social media channels for the most current information.
