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El Niño
El Niño
Every few years, California (and the rest of the United States) experience complex weather phenomena known as either El Niño or La Niña. Both are standard events that occur, typically reaching its peak in the fall and winter months.
During the upcoming 2026-2027 fall and winter seasons, a very strong El Niño is expected to impact the region. Sea surface temperatures rise, and cause wind patterns to shift.
For Southern California, this means the increased possibility of:
Heavy rainfall
Flooding
Mudslides
Extreme heat
It's also important to note that while a very strong El Niño may cause these weather conditions to appear more frequently, it does NOT guarantee that they will occur. The purpose of these warnings is to prepare individuals for the higher likelihood that they may occur so that everyone is ready to evacuate if an El Niño related emergency were to happen.
Flood Hazard Maps
Flood Hazard Maps
Click the links below to see the Flood Plains across San Diego and Imperial Counties.
San Diego County
San Diego County
Search for your Address
Click the "Map Layers" icon (left-most icon) on the top right of the screen, click the ">" symbol next to "Ecology/Hydrology" to expand the list and click the eye symbol next to "Ecology/Hydrology" to make the layers visible. Click the eye symbol next to "Floodplain". Enter your address in the "Search Bar" to determine if your address is in a Floodplain zone.
Imperial County
Imperial County
Flood Safety
Flood Safety
During a flash flood, water levels can rise quickly and block major roadways. It is dangerous to drive or walk through flooded roads, as it can be difficult determine how deep the water actually is.
If you do come across a potential flood or storm conditions, you should take the following actions:
Never drive through flooded waters.
Never walk through floodwaters.
Follow directions from emergency officials.
Monitor weather updates and emergency alerts.
Move to higher ground if flooding threatens your area.
Stay away from rivers, creeks, and storm channels.
Flood Preparedness - San Diego County
Flood Preparedness - San Diego County
Getting prepared for a storm is a team effort. City crews are working hard to prepare storm drains, roadways and City facilities. This effort also requires help from San Diego residents and businesses.
For more information on San Diego related efforts to prepare for El Nino, please visit this website.
BEFORE IT RAINS
BEFORE IT RAINS
Report non-emergency problems including but not limited to blocked storm drains, potholes and broken street lights via the Get it Done app.
Sign up for Alert San Diego notifications for all your telephone numbers.
Create a family communication plan to stay in touch with loved ones.
Prepare your pets. Have transportation ready for all larger animals under your responsibility.
If needed, empty sandbags are available at the following locations. Sandbags are limited to 10 bags per City of San Diego household or business, and sand is not always provided. Visit the Alert San Diego website to see points of distribution, some of which may have sand onsite. Always call the facility before you visit to confirm that they have available supplies.
Prepare your home for an emergency.
Visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood risks.
Know the safest routes to and from home should flooding occur.
Prepare your small business for an emergency.
When placing your trash, yard, and recycle bins out on the street for collection, place each bin approximately two to three feet away from the curb, so they do not impede the stormwater flowing on the street.
Sweep up trash, sediment, and debris, and dispose of construction waste in the trash to avoid having these items enter and block the stormwater collection system.
WHEN RAIN ARRIVES
WHEN RAIN ARRIVES
Report flooding to the City's emergency dispatch center at 619-527-7500
For life-threatening emergencies call 9-1-1.
Report downed electrical lines or gas emergencies to San Diego Gas & Electric at 800-411-7343.
Leave early if your property is in a flood zone. Water levels can rise fast once storms start. Do not hesitate to move if you see rising water.
Follow all instructions issued by public safety personnel.
Drive carefully! Take your time getting home or to work.
Slow down and do not drive through standing water. Know a safe route out. Folleto en Español.
AFTER RAIN PASSES
AFTER RAIN PASSES
Report non-emergency problems, including but not limited to blocked storm drains, potholes, and broken street lights via the Get it Done app.
Contact your property insurance carrier to report damages to your property and learn how to file a claim with the City for flood damage.
Flood Preparedness - Imperial County
Flood Preparedness - Imperial County
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