A storm approaching Southern California was expected to drench San Diegans who are counting down the hours to the new year on Wednesday. A few morning sprinkles were a precursor to the heavier showers expected to move in Wednesday evening. The storm system will sweep southwest through Thursday m orning, bringing scattered showers into 2026, NBC 7 Meteorologist Sheena Parveen said. The storm has the potential to bring thunderstorms and pockets of downpours, Parveen said. By the time it moves out of the region Friday, rain totals could be around a half-inch to an inch. The preliminary forecast shows rain falling over San Diego County from Wednesday through Saturday. Rainfall estimates are for totals of 0.6 to 1.2 inches in the coastal areas, 0.7 to 0.8 of an inch in the inland valleys, 0.04 to 0.5 of an inch in the low deserts, and .55 to 1.6 inches in the San Diego County mountains. ⚠ Residents can reduce the risk of flooding near their homes and properties by taking a few simple steps: Sweep and pick up trash, leaves, grass clippings and other debris that collect around storm drains and curb gutters near the home. Keep the lids securely closed on trash and recycle bins when placing them out on the street for collection. Place each bin 2 to 3 feet away from the curb so as not to impede stormwater. Turn off irrigation to save water and minimize runoff. Do not open or lift manhole covers in the event of street flooding. The city asked that people not try to drive, ride or walk through flood waters. ☑ Sandbags are also available in limited supply and can be picked up at 11 recreation centers centrally located in each City Council district. Sandbags are limited to 10 bags per city of San Diego household or business, but sand is not provided. Sandbags are available to San Diego residents during recreation center open hours at: Council District 1 – Pacific Beach Recreation Center, 1405 Diamond St.; Council District 2 (inland) – North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4421 Bannock Ave.; Council District 2 (coastal) – Robb Field Athletic Area, 2525 Bacon St.; Council District 3 – Golden Hill Recreation Center, 2600 Golf Course Drive; Council District 4 – Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 6401 Skyline Drive; Council District 5 – Scripps Ranch Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive; Council District 6 – Standley Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Drive; Council District 7 – Allied Gardens Recreation Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave.; Council District 8 – Silver Wing Recreation Center, 3737 Arey Drive; Council District 8 – Southcrest Recreation Center, 4149 Newton Ave.; and Council District 9 – City Heights Recreation Center, 4380 Landis St. The city is also taking steps to fortify homeless shelters with sandbags and have contingency plans in place in the event of flooding. This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser. ...read more read less