Ready for the Rain: What California Should Expect During and After El Niño

If you've been watching the forecasts, you already know this winter could be a big one. Federal forecasters say there's a greater than 90% chance El Niño becomes a very strong event this fall and winter. Past severe events, such as 1997–98 and 2015–16, brought heavy rain, flooding, and mudslides. Here's how to get ready.

Before and During the Storms

Know your risk. Check whether you live near a burn scar, steep hillside, creek, or coastal bluff. Those areas face the highest odds of flooding and debris flows. Burn scars are especially dangerous because scorched soil can't absorb water.

Clear the path for water. Clean gutters, downspouts, and storm drains now. Stock sandbags before the first big system arrives, since supplies vanish fast. Check your roof and trees for weak spots.

Build a kit. Plan for several days without power or passable roads: water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, a phone charger, and a battery radio. Fill your gas tank early.

Sign up for alerts. Enroll in your county's emergency notifications and follow the National Weather Service. Atmospheric rivers can change conditions in hours, and evacuation orders can come quickly.

Review your insurance. Standard homeowners' policies typically don't cover flood damage. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) usually carries a 30-day waiting period, so waiting for the first storm is too late.

Drive smart. Never drive through flooded roads. Just a foot of moving water can float a vehicle. Expect mudslides on highways and delays on mountain passes.

After the Storms

Stay cautious. Danger doesn't end when the rain does. Saturated hillsides can fail days later, and swollen rivers can keep rising downstream. Stay away from downed power lines and floodwater, which may carry sewage or chemicals.

Document everything. If your property is damaged by a weather-related event, photograph the damage before cleanup and keep all your receipts. This makes insurance and disaster assistance claims much smoother.

Watch for mold. Dry out wet areas within 24 to 48 hours, and wear a mask and gloves during cleanup.

Check water and food safety. Heed boil-water advisories, and toss any food that touched floodwater or sat warm during an outage.

Don't forget the bigger picture. Heavy rain often means a healthy Sierra snowpack, good news for reservoirs and summer water supplies. But rain on weak ground can mean erosion, potholes, and road repairs for months. Warmer storms can also cut snow in some areas, so don't assume drought is over.

The Bottom Line

El Niño forecasts aren't guarantees; every event differs. But preparing costs far less than recovering. Spend an hour this weekend on your kit, your insurance, and your gutters, and you'll be ready whenever the first atmospheric river arrives.

If you have an issue with your roof as a result of El Niño-related storms, we can help. Call (833) 247-6200 today or fill out our online contact form to get in touch with our team.