San Diego Activates Shelters Ahead Of Powerful Pineapple Express Storm

SAN DIEGO, CA — As a powerful pineapple express storm approaches San Diego, city officials on Tuesday activated the Inclement Weather Shelter Program, opening additional beds for people experiencing homelessness at several locations.

Heavy rain is expected to douse the county this holiday week from Tuesday through Thursday. Residents are also bracing for strong, gusty winds, flooding, mudslides, dangerous road conditions and evacuation warnings.

READ MORE: SD Could Get Up To 4 Inches Of Rain In Christmas Eve Storm

The following shelter sites were activated:

• Living Water Church of the Nazarene, 1550 Market St., can accommodate up to 28 adults. Check-in for clients with reservations begins at 8 p.m. On-site reservations are available from 1–4 p.m., with check-out at 6:30 a.m.
• Joan Kroc Center, 1501 Imperial Ave., offers space for up to 61 adults, along with 11 additional beds for families with minor children and/or single women. Check-in begins at 4 p.m. and continues throughout the night until full check-out at 5 a.m.
• Paul Mirabile Center, also located at 1501 Imperial Ave., has room for up to 62 adults, with check-in starting at 4 p.m. and overnight stays ending at 5 a.m.

The Inclement Weather Shelter Program typically operates from November through March and expands shelter capacity during inclement weather when certain conditions are met, the city said. These include temperatures of 50 degrees or below with at least a 40 percent chance of rain, temperatures of 45 degrees or below regardless of rainfall, or exceptional weather such as one or more inches of rain within 24 hours accompanied by sustained high winds.

People may go directly to shelter locations to access a bed. Inclement weather beds are available on a per-night basis and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

While check-in and check-out times vary by location, most beds open in the late afternoon and must be vacated early the following morning. More information can be found here.