El Niño is Here. Get Ready Now.

California is taking early action, working with state and local partners to prepare communities for potential impacts and help keep Californians safe. Supplies, equipment, and crews are being readied now so they’re available when needed. You can take action, too. Prepare your home and family today.

Take Steps to Protect Family El Nino Hero Image

What is El Niño

Part of the Pacific Ocean near the equator gets warmer than usual.

The warm water changes the winds high in the sky. These winds push more storms toward California.

That could mean heavy rain and snow, flooding, debris flows, power outages and road closures.

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

Not every part of California will see the same impacts.

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.

Anywhere in California

Watch for strong wind, falling trees, power outages and road closures.

Get Ready Before Storm Season

Some of these take time, so start now, before the first big storm.

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.

Alert Notifications

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

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.

Get Alerts

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

Danger can last after the rain stops. Take care when you go back home.

Wait until it’s safe to go home
Only go back when local officials say it’s safe.
Stay out of floodwater
It can hide sharp objects, sewage and live power lines.
Watch for mudslides
Hills and burn scars can still slide days after the rain stops.
Take photos of any damage
Take pictures of your home and belongings before you clean up. You may need them for insurance.

FIVE EASY STEPS TO BE DISASTER READY:

GET ALERTS

to know what to do.

MAKE A PLAN

to protect your people.

PACK

a GO BAG with things you need.

BUILD

a STAY BOX for when you can’t leave.

HELP

friends and neighbors get ready.

Community partner? Find resources to share.