What is El Niño?
El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern that increases the likelihood of wetter, stormier winters in Southern California. El Niño is one phase of a recurring climate cycle driven by warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific. These changing weather patterns can increase the frequency and intensity of Pacific storms reaching California. The emerging El Niño event is already breaking records, and forecasters expect it to continue to strengthen, potentially becoming the strongest in recorded history.
State Actions to Prepare for El Niño
Governor Newsom has proclaimed a state of emergency to bolster statewide El Niño preparedness. The state of emergency helps California move faster to protect communities, stage critical resources, and strengthen readiness before severe weather intensifies. Among the actions ordered, the emergency proclamation directs state agencies to lead the state's flood-risk-reduction efforts, stage flood-fighting supplies such as sandbags and pumps, and pre-position other critical equipment. Caltrans will stage traffic-control, road-closure, and snow-removal equipment along the highways most at risk. The proclamation also prepares the California National Guard to support flood response, search-and-rescue, engineering, and logistics missions when needed. State environmental and natural resources agencies will support local efforts to prepare for flooding, landslides, and debris flows, by fast-tracking permitting and identifying other ways to cut red tape. Read the full proclamation here.
Local Actions and El Niño Resources
LA County
LA County Public Works crews prepare for storm season months in advance by inspecting dams and channels, removing debris and sediment from reservoirs, maintaining storm drains and pump stations and ensuring flood control facilities are ready before winter storms arrive. County teams are coordinating resources across departments and partners so they can respond quickly when conditions deteriorate.
LA County residents can visit the Public Works Sandbags Dashboard to find sandbag distribution locations and call (800) 933-0930 to speak to a Public Works engineer about property-specific preparation.
LA County is also taking steps to protect vulnerable residents.
- People experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable during severe rain, flooding, high winds, cold temperatures and other extreme weather. Homeless Services and Housing outreach teams are connecting unhoused neighbors to safe, warm shelter ahead of winter storms. 211 LA can help connect individuals with services and housing resources. Visit their website or call 2-1-1.
- LA County’s Aging & Disabilities Department is working to ensure older adults, who may face heightened risk during extreme weather, have the resources and support they need to prepare and stay safe.
For more information and resources, visit LA County's webpage for information about heavy rains and sign up for LA County's El Niño Preparedness Guide.
Long Beach
The City of Long Beach has a dedicated El Niño webpage with information on sandbags, how to prepare, forecasts, and more. Additionally, the City has proclaimed a local emergency as a result of the impacts from Hurricane Marie and the developing El Niño event and winter storm season. Read the full proclamation here.
How You Can Prepare for El Niño
Stay Informed
Sign up for Emergency Alerts
LA County: ready.lacounty.gov/emergency-notifications/
Long Beach: longbeach.gov/lgb/resources/emergency-alerts/
Cities, special districts, employers, schools and universities may each have their own emergency notification systems.
Find Helpful Resources
LA County has a dedicated webpage for information about heavy rains, providing rain safety tips, links to helpful resources, and information about how to make a safety plan. You can also sign up for LA County's El Niño Preparedness Guide to receive regular updates as El Niño season approaches.
Make a Family Plan
- Develop a family plan before any stormy weather occurs. Involve the whole family when making the plan to be sure everyone is familiar. Be sure to customize your plan based on any individual needs.
- Designate an emergency meeting location outside the hazard area. Have important phone numbers documented to quickly contact in case of emergency.
- Identify several different routes to leave your home in case one or more are blocked. Be aware of any creeks, drainages, or other areas that could flood or become hazardous during rainy weather.
- Build a “Go-Bag” by preparing 72 hours of water, non-perishable food, and essential medications. Keep supplies at home and in your car to support you and your family in the event of an emergency (power outage, shelter in place, evacuation, etc.). Learn about emergency kita on the Ready LA County website and see how you can build one for under $25 by watching this video.
- Familiarize yourself with evacuation terminology utilized in Los Angeles County and be ready to execute your plan if any weather conditions require an Evacuation Warning, Evacuation Order, or Shelter in Place order for your area.
Prepare Your Property
- To find sandbag distribution locations in LA County, visit the Public Works Sandbags Dashboard. City of Long Beach residents can also find sandbags here.
- For property-specific preparedness steps, LA County residents can call (800) 933-0930 to speak to a Public Works engineer.
- Learn more details about your home’s level of flood risk, including the type of flood zone it is in on FEMA’s online Flood Map Service Center at www.msc.fema.gov/portal/ or the LA County Department of Public Works' flood zone determination map. For more information on how to protect your home from flooding, click here.
- Inspect your property for areas that may be vulnerable to flooding, waves, or erosion.
- When high winds are expected, remove any dead trees or overhanging branches near structures, loose roofing materials, and objects in yards, patios, roofs, or balconies that could blow away.
- Before a storm, secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture or garbage cans that could blow away and cause damage or injury.
- Be aware of erosion risks, particularly if your property is near a beach, bluff, or other vulnerable coastal area. Visually inspect all sloped areas for signs of erosion, gullying, surface cracks, slumping, etc. Also inspect patios, retaining walls, garden walls, etc. for signs of cracking or rotation.
- Make a general inspection of your entire yard area for dead trees or dead limbs, yard debris, outdoor furniture, or other objects that could be blown by winds.
- Make sure all drains and gutters are cleared of debris and functioning properly before the storm season. If buildings do not have gutters and drains, consider having them installed. Visually inspect nearby storm drains, before the storm season and after every rain. If the storm drains are obstructed, clear the material from the drain or notify the local Department of Public Works or other agency for maintenance.
- Inspect your roof, or hire a roofing contractor, to check for loose tiles, holes, or other signs of trouble.
- Visually inspect all retaining wall drains, surface drains, culverts, ditches, etc. for obstructions or other signs of malfunction, before the storm season, and after every storm event.
- Make sure your yard does not have large bare areas that could be sources for mudflows during a storm event. Fall is a good time to put down mulch and establish native plants.
Some types of improvements may require a permit from your local government or the California Coastal Commission. If, after taking steps to prepare your property, you still have some concerns about slope stability, flooding, mudflows, etc., contact your local government or Coastal Commission staff about the possible use of sand-bags, plastic sheeting, or other materials that can be used to construct temporary, low flood barriers or to cover slopes to prevent gullying or soil loss. Emergency permits may be issued when sudden, unexpected events occur, requiring immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss of life, health, property or essential public services.
Check your Insurance Coverage
Consumers should take the following steps before severe weather arrives:
- Review your insurance coverage. Homeowners, renters, and commercial insurance policies typically exclude damage caused by flooding, mudslides, debris flows, and other similar disasters unless they are directly or indirectly caused by a recent wildfire or another covered peril. However, policies may provide coverage for certain water damage caused by wind-driven rain. Damage caused from fallen trees is generally covered under all standard homeowner policies. Renters should review their renters’ insurance to understand coverage for their personal belongings, which generally are not covered by a landlord’s insurance policy. Consumers should contact their insurance company or agent to understand their coverage before severe weather arrives.
- Consider flood insurance. The National Flood Insurance Program provides the majority of flood insurance coverage written in California, and private flood insurance is also available. Flood insurance generally takes effect 30 days after purchase, except in the case of a home purchase where flood insurance is required by the lender. Consumers should plan rather than wait until a storm is approaching.
- Review your auto coverage. Comprehensive auto insurance can provide coverage for vehicles damaged by flooding, fallen trees, and other storm-related events. Check your auto insurance declaration page to see if this optional coverage is included in your policy or contact your insurance company or agent.
- Create a home inventory. Use your smartphone to photograph or record your home and belongings and keep copies of important insurance documents in a safe, accessible location. A current inventory can make it easier to document belongings if you need to file a claim.
- Prepare your property and family. Follow local emergency alerts and evacuation instructions, secure loose outdoor items, clear gutters and drains, and have emergency supplies and important documents ready.
What to do During a Severe Storm
Stay Updated on Changing Conditions
- Make sure you're signed up for emergency alerts. Follow all evacuation orders and monitor for updates from first responders.
- Monitor the Los Angeles County Public Works Mud and Debris Flow Forecast.
- Visit LA County's Emergency Response page for updated on evacuation orders and warnings.
- Follow Ready LA County on social media (X, Facebook, Instagram), as well as monitoring local news media, for the latest updates.
Follow Safety Tips
Rain Safety Tips
- Follow all instructions from emergency responders and emergency alert notifications.
- Ensure your vehicle is safe to operate during wet weather. Make sure your tires, brakes, and windshield wipers are in proper working condition. Drive cautiously and slow down. Many roadways will be wet and slippery.
- Do not attempt to cross flooded areas and never enter moving water. As little as 6 inches of water can knock over and carry away an adult and 18-24 inches of water can carry away most large SUVs, vans and trucks. “Turn around, don’t drown!”
- Stay away from flood control debris basins, channels, facilities and river beds.
- Keep at least 100 feet away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Call 911 to report downed lines.
- When water rapidly accumulates in the ground, mudslides can happen. Watch for mudslides in areas with steep slopes and runoff, construction, burn scars and tilting telephone poles, trees, or fences.
Flood Safety Tips
- Follow all instructions from emergency responders and emergency alert notifications.
- A flash food can develop quickly, happen anywhere, and can sweep away most things in its path. Pay attention to weather reports. Heavy rainfall can lead to flash flooding and mudslides.
- Be ready to evacuate all people and animals to higher ground if ordered.
- If trapped inside by floodwaters, move to higher floors or a roof, but not attics. Call 9-1-1.
- Do not attempt to cross flooded areas and never enter moving water. As little as 6 inches of water can knock over and carry away an adult and 18-24 inches of water can carry away most large SUVs, vans and trucks. “Turn around, don’t drown!”
- Stay away from flood control debris basins, channels, facilities and river beds.
- Keep at least 100 feet away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Call 911 to report downed lines.
Tips for Strong Winds
- When high winds are expected, remove any dead trees or overhanging branches near structures, loose roofing materials, and objects in yards, patios, roofs, or balconies that could blow away.
- Before a storm, secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture or garbage cans that could blow away and cause damage or injury.
- If you are driving in high winds, slow down! Keep a safe distance from vehicles in lanes next to you and watch for objects blowing across the road.
- If you are outside during high winds, find shelter immediately. Stay away from trees and power lines, and watch for flying debris.
- Watch out for downed power lines during high winds. Never touch or drive over a fallen power line. If a power line falls on your vehicle, call 911 and stay inside until trained personnel can remove it.
Tips for Power Outages
- Storms that bring strong winds and flooding can also bring downed power lines and power outages. Prepare for any medical needs that rely on power and have enough water and food that doesn’t need refrigeration for every member of your household for at least three days.
- Sign up for alerts through your energy company so you can be notified about power shutoffs.
- Fully charge backup batteries, prepare to keep medicines cold, and medical devices charged.
- If you use electric medical and assistive devices, create a personal disaster plan with family and caregivers for how to meet your needs during a power outage.
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Use coolers with ice if necessary.
- Use a generator outside only, at least 20 feet from doors and windows. Indoors, its poisonous exhaust can kill in minutes.