Southern Californians are gearing up for what forecasters are calling a "super" El Niño this winter, a climate pattern that could bring substantial rain and potentially punishing conditions to the region. Officials are already working to prepare for the inevitable.
There's a 75% chance that this latest El Niño will be stronger than any since 1950, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center noting a 98% chance it will be "very strong" through December. This means a significant stream of tropical moisture could be headed our way, drenching the entire region.
Local agencies are moving fast. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ office confirmed the city is "actively planning" for the super El Niño, with staff meeting regularly with the National Weather Service. Their focus includes shoring up burn scar areas and working to lessen the effects of potential debris flows, flooding, and high winds. Meanwhile, Los Angeles County has been busy removing sediment from reservoirs like San Gabriel, Eaton Wash, and Devil’s Gate to boost their capacity and help prevent floods.
While no preparation is foolproof, experts emphasize that getting ready now, before the storms hit, can reduce risks around your home and on the road. Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath encouraged residents to sign up for emergency alerts and understand local risks, especially near hillsides, canyons, recent burn areas, or flood zones, and to have an evacuation plan ready.
For homeowners, roofs are a primary concern. Terry Heller, owner of Southern California's Preferred Roofing, suggests scheduling an inspection if your home has had prior leaks or if the roof is more than 12 years old. Routine maintenance can prevent late-night emergencies during heavy downpours when roofers are swamped. During active storms, crews might only be able to provide temporary solutions like tarping. Heller advises consulting a licensed roofer for safety, verifying their credentials on the California Contractors State License Board website, and checking online ratings and references.
Landscape architect Esther Margulies, who directs USC’s graduate programs in landscape architecture and urbanism, recommends inspecting how water flows through your front and back yards. Ensure all drains are clean, clear of obstructions, and discharging water correctly, usually to a curb drain. Test them with a garden hose to confirm water emerges where it should. If water pools or your crawl space is damp, a sump pump might be necessary.
For smaller properties, much of the problematic water comes from the roof. Margulies suggests placing rain barrels at downspouts to capture this concentrated flow. She noted that 80- to 100-gallon barrels fill up surprisingly quickly, and the stored water can be used for irrigation after the storm. If ponding is a regular issue, consider increasing permeable areas on your property by aerating compacted lawns or reducing unnecessary paving.
Sandbags are a last-resort measure for redirecting water. Stack them in rows outside doors or other openings to create a barrier. Los Angeles County provides a map of free sandbag distribution sites, though residents are encouraged to call ahead and bring proof of residency.
Trees also need attention. Santa Monica arborist Alison Lancaster advises hiring a licensed consulting arborist for an independent evaluation. They can check for structural issues like cracks, weak attachments, or decay and suggest targeted pruning. Lancaster specifically warns against tree thinning and topping, as these practices stress trees and can make them less safe. Once you have recommendations, hire a qualified contractor who is licensed and insured and has an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist on staff. It's wise to act quickly, as both consultants and contractors get booked up this time of year. For palm trees, have dead fronds removed professionally, as they can blow off in high winds and cause damage or interfere with power lines.
As you check your property, remember that anything exposed to rain—like fertilizer bags or open paint cans—can wash into storm drains, which flow directly to the ocean without treatment. Margulies emphasized that all runoff contributes to what reaches our rivers, streams, and bays.
For sloped yards prone to runoff, consider planting ground cover like buckwheat and coyote brush. While plants set in September won't offer much erosion control for the immediate storm season, they will help in the long run. Also, a practical reminder: turn off your automatic watering systems during rainy periods.
Finally, review your insurance. Attorney Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders, a consumer group, says many people mistakenly believe they don't need flood insurance if they aren't near a body of water. However, with increasingly severe storms, more areas are vulnerable. Getting a flood insurance quote can help you make an informed decision. It’s also smart to brush up on your home insurance policy, as coverage, especially for water damage, may have changed, with many companies recently reducing coverage or adding payout caps. Know your deductible, and Bach advises against filing small claims for losses you can afford, as even small claims can affect future premiums. Bach also recommends video recording your valuables by walking through each room and narrating, then emailing the video to yourself for an easy record should you ever need to file a claim.
For your car, an inspection by a trusted mechanic can go a long way in preparing for the wet weather ahead.
