Heavy rain floods streets, cause power outages in Downey

Photo courtesy Downey Fire Department

Free sandbags are available at Downey fire stations to help residents cope with the record downpour that is flooding local streets and freeways. 

Fire Station No. 1 ran out of sandbags Sunday afternoon but officials were working to secure more by nightfall, said Mayor Fernando Vasquez. 

Flooding has been reported throughout the city, and residents are being warned to avoid the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo rivers. 

One resident, who declined to give her name, said multiple vehicles were stuck near Walmart, and cars were veering into oncoming traffic to avoid the stalled motorists. 

"There are about five cars that are stalled and drivers have decided to jump on the opposite side of the road to avoid it," she said. "The flooding is in the side of when you are leaving the Promenade."

Residents also reported power outages Sunday afternoon, though electricity appears to have been mostly restored by Monday morning.

Andrew Stevens, the emergency manager for the city of Downey, is expected to brief the City Council tomorrow on local areas prone to flooding as a precaution for future storms.