El Niño in California
Sometimes the ocean far away can change our weather. El Niño is happening now and is expected to strengthen through early 2027. It raises the chances of certain weather, but it can’t tell us exactly what will happen in your community, so it’s important to prepare for a range of possibilities.
What It Could Mean Where You Live
Anywhere in California - Watch for strong wind, falling trees, power outages and road closures.
Near creeks, rivers or low streets - Watch for flooding and fast-rising water.
Near hills or burn scars - Watch for mudslides and debris flows.
Near the coast - Watch for big waves and erosion.
In the mountains - Watch for heavy snow and dangerous roads.
In the desert - Watch for flash floods in washes and dips, even when it isn’t raining where you are.
Get Ready Before Storm Season
Check your address - See if your home or workplace is in a flood-prone area or downhill from a recent wildfire, where flash floods can happen. Look it up on MyHazards →
Check your insurance - Most home and renter policies don’t cover floods. A new flood policy usually takes 30 days to start.
Prepare your home for rain and wind - Clean gutters and storm drains, fix roof leaks and trim trees. Pick up sandbags early, while supplies last.
Record your home - Take a video of each room and the things in it. It can help with insurance claims if your home is damaged.
Gather your important documents - Keep IDs, insurance papers, medical records and deeds in a waterproof bag. Save copies on your phone or online.
Get your vehicle ready - Check your brakes, wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust. Check your tires. If you drive in snow, carry chains.
Alerts in your county aren’t automatic. They’re free and warn you when a storm is coming or it’s time to leave, by text, call or email.
If a Storm Hits
Be ready if the power goes out - Keep flashlights and charged phones close. Never use a generator, grill or camp stove inside.
Stay off the road if you can - Only drive if you have to. Roads may be flooded, closed or blocked by fallen trees.
Never drive through floodwater - It can be deeper and faster than it looks, and the road underneath may be washed out. Turn around and find another way.
Go to higher ground - If water starts to rise, move up right away. Don’t wait for it to get worse.
Stay away from fallen trees and power lines - Always treat power lines as live, even if they are tangled in a tree. Call 9-1-1 to report them.
Check on your neighbors - Older adults and people with disabilities may need extra help.
After a Storm
