El Niño could bring increased storm risks to Southern California. Here are 10 ways Los Angeles residents can prepare their homes, cars and families for heavy rain, flooding and mudslides.
As Southern California enters the rainy season, Los Angeles residents are being encouraged to prepare for the possibility of El Niño-related storms. While a wetter winter is not guaranteed, heavy rainfall can create serious challenges for a region where dry conditions, hillsides, wildfire burn scars and urban drainage systems can increase the risk of flooding and mudslides.
The City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department has highlighted El Niño and storm preparedness in its October 2026 updates. Residents can take several practical steps now to protect their homes, prepare for power outages and stay informed when severe weather approaches.
Here are 10 ways Angelenos can get ready.
1. Clean Gutters and Storm Drains
Remove leaves, dirt and debris from gutters, downspouts and outdoor drains so rainwater can flow freely. Check your roof for leaks and inspect areas around windows and doors for potential water entry points.
Keep trash and recycling bins secured, and avoid placing objects where they could block drainage. Report clogged public storm drains to the appropriate local agency.
2. Get Sandbags Before the Rain Arrives
Sandbags can help redirect runoff and reduce the risk of water entering garages, doorways and other vulnerable areas. They are especially important for properties in flood-prone locations and communities near recent wildfire burn areas.
Los Angeles County provides information about sandbag distribution through its official sandbag resources. Check availability and local distribution instructions before traveling to a pickup location.
3. Know Your Neighborhood’s Flood and Mudslide Risks
Not every neighborhood faces the same hazards. Residents near creeks, flood channels, low-lying streets, canyons and steep hillsides should understand their local risks.
Areas affected by recent wildfires can be particularly vulnerable to debris flows because burned vegetation may no longer hold soil in place. Check the Ready LA County flooding guide and mudslide preparedness guide for information about protecting your property.
4. Review Your Insurance Coverage
Standard homeowners’ insurance policies generally do not cover flood damage. Renters and homeowners should review their policies to understand what is and is not covered.
Residents who may need separate flood insurance should investigate coverage well before a storm. Many policies have a waiting period, commonly 30 days, before coverage takes effect. Check the terms of the specific policy for exceptions and eligibility requirements.
5. Prepare an Emergency Kit
A power outage or evacuation can disrupt access to everyday necessities. Los Angeles County recommends keeping emergency supplies that can support your household for up to 10 days.
Consider assembling the following:
- Drinking water and nonperishable food.
- Prescription medications and a first-aid kit.
- Flashlights, extra batteries and a battery-powered radio.
- Charged power banks and charging cables.
- Copies of important documents in waterproof bags.
- Hygiene products, warm clothing and sturdy shoes.
- Supplies for infants, older adults and anyone with specific accessibility needs.
- Pet food, medications, leashes, carriers and waste bags.
Store supplies where they can be reached quickly if you need to leave home.
6. Make a Family Emergency and Evacuation Plan
Discuss where household members will meet if they become separated, identify more than one evacuation route and establish an out-of-area contact who can relay messages.
Keep essential documents and medications ready to take with you. If you live in a hillside or burn-area community, know where you would go if officials issue an evacuation warning or order.
Residents in the City of Los Angeles can also explore the free Ready Your LA Neighborhood program, which offers tools to help households and neighbors prepare for emergencies.
7. Prepare Your Car for Wet Weather
Before the next storm, check your tires, brakes, windshield wipers, headlights and defroster. Replace worn wiper blades and make sure your tires have adequate tread.
Keep a small emergency kit in the car with a flashlight, water, a phone charger, a first-aid kit and basic supplies. Allow additional travel time during heavy rain, and avoid unnecessary trips when conditions deteriorate.
Never drive through flooded streets or around road-closure barricades. Water can conceal damaged pavement, and even relatively shallow moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
8. Plan for Power Outages
Strong winds and heavy rain can damage trees and power lines, potentially interrupting electricity. Charge phones and backup batteries before storms arrive, and keep flashlights accessible.
If someone in your household relies on powered medical equipment, contact the equipment provider and utility company to discuss backup power and emergency options.
Use flashlights rather than candles during an outage. Keep away from downed power lines and report them to the appropriate utility or emergency service.
9. Protect Outdoor Areas and Check Trees
Inspect your property for loose patio furniture, unsecured umbrellas, weak branches and other objects that could be blown around or obstruct drainage. Secure outdoor belongings before strong winds arrive.
Have potentially hazardous trees assessed by a qualified arborist, particularly if branches hang over your home, driveway or power lines. Avoid attempting dangerous tree work yourself.
Residents on hillsides should also watch for new cracks in the soil, unusual ground movement or changes in drainage that could indicate instability.
10. Sign Up for Emergency Alerts and Follow Official Forecasts
Preparation is most effective when paired with reliable information. Sign up for Alert LA County if you live in an area served by the county system, and check whether your city has its own notification service.
Monitor the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard office for forecasts, watches and warnings. Follow local officials’ instructions and be ready to evacuate when directed.
During heavy rain, stay away from rivers, flood-control channels and other areas where water can rise rapidly. Never walk or drive through floodwater.
A Little Preparation Can Make a Difference
El Niño is a natural climate pattern that can influence weather around the world, but it does not guarantee a particularly wet winter in Los Angeles. Regardless of the seasonal outlook, preparing for heavy rain, flooding, strong winds and potential mudslides can help residents reduce property damage and protect their families.
The best time to check your gutters, gather supplies and review evacuation plans is before a storm appears in the forecast.
Sources and Further Reading
- City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department — Current El Niño and storm preparedness information.
- Ready LA County: Weathering LA Rain — Home protection, sandbags, alerts and flood insurance.
- Ready LA County: Flooding — Flood safety and emergency preparation.
- Ready LA County: Mudslides — Hillside, burn-area and debris-flow risks.
- National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard — Local forecasts and weather warnings.
- Los Angeles County Sandbag Resources — Sandbag distribution information.
- Ready Your LA Neighborhood — Household and neighborhood emergency planning.
