TIJUANA – Even as they scrambled to ease widespread flooding, city officials issued a state of alert, warning residents to stay off the streets and brace for more rain on the way.

The city’s Civil Protection agency said Tuesday’s wind and heavy rain unleashed mudslides and flooded thoroughfares across the region, leaving many partially open or closed.

In the last two days, the agency has notified about 3,000 families who in live in high-risk areas to be ready to evacuate.

On Tuesday, some eastside neighborhoods struggled with power outages caused by fallen trees and electricity lines. In the downtown area, landslides were reported in colonias Juárez and Independencia.

A fire department supervisor said that so far only three families had been evacuated. But emergency officials warned that the storm was far from over, and that downpours and strong winds were expected through Wednesday.

The municipal government warned that the rain could turn small streams and canals into raging currents, as well as lead to more flooding, undermine walls, and destabilize slopes.

The police department urged residents not to drive, particularly in the main thoroughfares, unless it was necessary, and those who did drive to cut their speed in half to be able to maneuver in the slick conditions.

During the state of alert, authorities urged people not to cross in a vehicle or on foot any streams and streets under water and to monitor walls, fences and other structures that may be at risk of collapsing.

In January, two children were swept away in their car and drowned.

Omar.millan@sandiegored.com