Southern California Prepares for El Niño

Strong El Niño years have historically brought heavy rain and higher sea levels to Southern California, though scientists say exact impacts remain hard to pinpoint.
Officials have prepared flood-control systems, coastal defenses, and extra crews, while stressing that residents should act early instead of waiting for a warning.
Start with trusted emergency alerts, then check hazards affecting your property and daily routes, including flooding, landslides, sea level rise, and postfire debris flows.
A strong family plan includes contacts, hospitals, schools, employers, and an out-of-state contact, plus backup power planning for anyone relying on essential equipment.
Also map alternate routes, connect with neighbors needing extra help, follow generator safety, and keep pets evacuation-ready with current tags, food, and microchip details.