The National Weather Service is monitoring the potential for a tropical cyclone that could bring rain into the region over Labor Day weekend. While the exact rainfall totals and impacts may vary as the storm approaches, it is always a good time to prepare for changing weather conditions.
Even a relatively short storm can create challenges. Heavy rainfall can lead to localized flooding, debris and mud flows, rockfall, roadway hazards and rapidly changing conditions, particularly in mountain communities, desert washes and areas recently impacted by wildfire.
San Bernardino County Public Works and the Office of Emergency Services (OES), along with County Fire, the Sheriff’s Department and other local and regional partners, work year-round to prepare for these potential impacts. Public Works crews monitor roadways, flood control facilities, drainage systems and other infrastructure and are prepared to respond where needed. OES coordinates with emergency response agencies and community partners to help ensure resources and critical information can be quickly shared when conditions warrant.
Preparedness is a partnership, and residents play an important role.
Before the rain arrives, take a few minutes to make sure your household is ready:
- Sign up for emergency alerts. San Bernardino County’s Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS), or TENS, sends targeted emergency messages, including evacuation information. Residents can also download the Ready SB County app for emergency alerts, preparedness resources and other safety information.
- Make a family plan. Know how you will communicate, where you will meet and what you will do if you need to evacuate or shelter in place.
- Prepare an emergency kit. Include water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, important documents, chargers and supplies for children, older adults and pets.
- Prepare your property. Clear leaves and debris from gutters and drains around your home and secure outdoor items before rain and wind arrive.
- Plan before you travel. Check weather and roadway conditions, allow extra travel time and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain.
- Never enter flooded roadways. Water can be deeper and faster-moving than it appears. Turn around, don’t drown. Never drive, walk or bicycle through a flooded roadway or flowing wash.
- Respect road closures. Barricades and closure signs are placed for your safety. Never drive around them, even if a roadway appears passable.
- Know the difference between an evacuation warning and an evacuation order. An evacuation warning means be ready to leave. Gather your family, pets, medications, important documents and emergency supplies, and monitor official updates. An evacuation order means leave immediately. Follow public safety instructions, use designated evacuation routes and do not return until authorities say it is safe.
Residents who live near wildfire burn scars, mountain slopes, washes or other areas susceptible to flooding and debris flows should pay particularly close attention to changing weather conditions and official notifications. Conditions can develop quickly, and being prepared to act is critical.
Previous incidents, including the Line and Bridge fires, demonstrated how quickly emergencies can impact our communities and reinforced the importance of strong coordination among residents, first responders, County departments and community partners. Preparedness does not begin when an emergency occurs. It starts well before, by understanding local risks, knowing where to get trusted information and being ready to act when conditions change.
Being rain ready starts before the forecast calls for heavy rain. Take time now to check your supplies, review your family’s emergency plan, understand the risks where you live and make sure you are connected to reliable sources of information.
Public Works and OES are preparing. We encourage you to prepare with us.
For preparedness resources, emergency planning information and tips for your family, visit Prepare.SBCounty.gov and follow @SBCPublicworks, @ReadySBCounty and @SBCounty.
Additional County Update News – September 3, 2026
- Board Actions, Sept. 1
- County welcomes Lauren Howland as public information officer
- First 5 San Bernardino appoints Cindy Faulkner as executive director
- Arrowhead Regional Medical Center receives reverification from the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma
- National Preparedness Month
- County Library invests in refreshed spaces at Rialto, Montclair and Yucaipa branches
- Sign up for your next adventure with a County Library card
- Animal Care is seeking short-term pet foster families to support upcoming Wings of Rescue flight
- SBC Through Your Eyes: Bluff Lake Reserve
- Submit your photos and videos of the county’s destinations, nature and cityscapes
- San Bernardino County history: Sheriff’s Rodeo
- Things to do in San Bernardino County
- Pet of the Week: Matisse