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 now to protect your family image: Know your risk. Prepare your home. Pack supplies. Make a plan.

What is El Niño

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

El Niño image of ocean off California showing typical storm path

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

El Niño image of California showing mountain snow, heavy rain, and flooding

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.

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.

El Niño Toolkit

As California prepares for El Niño, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and Ready California want everyone to help communities prepare before severe weather arrives.

Help us create a stronger, more prepared California by spreading the word and using this toolkit to share these resources. You can also access the toolkit resources here.