SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — The city of Tijuana, like the rest of the region on Thursday, is getting slammed by a storm that’s already bringing strong winds and several inches of rain.
All week, the city has been getting ready with crews clearing storm drains and placing sandbags in areas prone to flooding.
Two days ago, Baja California Gov. Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda ordered all classes to be canceled on Thursday and Friday.
Last week, during another powerful storm, more than 90 schools were damaged by flooding and strong winds. Some had to be evacuated as classrooms and administration buildings filled with water and mud.
The governor is also warning citizens to be prepared for possible power outages, and she’s calling for people to stay away from creeks and riverbeds that will likely turn into raging rivers.
She’s also said publicly there is a lot of concern about the likelihood of landslides, extensive flooding and sinkholes.
Last week, a sinkhole measuring more than 100 feet long and 20 feet deep opened along one of the major roadways in the city.
Other state and city officials are asking residents to stay home and avoid going out unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Business people, particularly those who run maquiladoras, expect 30 percent of their workforce to stay home during the storm.
By noon Thursday, some flooding had been reported, but nothing major according to the city’s fire department.
It reported firefighters had responded to six rain-related calls from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., the most serious involved a homeless man who was shocked while on a roof when an electric cable was knocked down.
He was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive.
The city of Tijuana has set up several shelters that can accommodate up to 140 people if need be.
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