El Niño in Orange County. Be Storm Ready, OC!

Potential Impacts In Orange County

Periods of heavy rain and winter storms may increase the risk of: 

• Localized flooding 
• Mudslides, debris flows and slope erosion 
• Flooded roadways and hazardous driving conditions 
• High surf and beach erosion 
• Downed trees and power outages 
• Traffic signal outages and transportation disruptions 

Taking a few steps now can help protect your home, family and property. 

Know Your Flood Risk 

Understanding your property’s flood risk can help you prepare before a storm. Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to review flood hazard information for your property. 

Areas that may experience increased impacts during prolonged or intense rainfall include: 

• Low-lying areas. 
• Properties near flood control channels. 
• Areas near hillsides or canyon slopes. 
• Properties near creeks or natural drainage areas.  

Being outside a designated high-risk flood zone does not mean a property has no flood risk. 

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts 

Register for AlertOC to receive emergency notifications from local public safety agencies. Alerts may include information about severe weather, evacuations, road closures and other emergencies. 

Additional emergency preparedness information and planning resources are available through ReadyOC. 

Build an Emergency Kit 

Keep essential supplies together and easily accessible before severe weather arrives. 

Consider including: 

• Water and nonperishable food 
• Flashlights and extra batteries 
• Essential medications 
• First-aid supplies 
• Phone chargers or portable power banks 
• Pet food and supplies 
• Copies of important personal documents stored in a waterproof container 
• Personal hygiene items 
• Clothing and blankets 
• Supplies for children, older adults or individuals with disabilities or access and functional needs 

Prepare for Safe Travel 

Before wet weather arrives: 

• Inspect your windshield wipers and tires. 
• Keep your vehicle fueled or charged. 
• Allow extra travel time during storms. 
• Monitor weather and roadway conditions before leaving home. 
• Avoid unnecessary travel when severe weather is occurring. 
• Never drive, walk or bike through flooded roadways. 

Floodwater can be deeper or moving faster than it appears. Roads beneath the water may also be damaged or washed away. 

Visit the National Weather Service and other official agencies for current weather information. 

Taking preventive steps before heavy rain can help reduce the risk of property damage. 

Check Slopes and Bare Soil 

Inspect slopes for signs of erosion, cracks or drainage issues. Stabilize exposed soil where appropriate and make sure runoff is directed away from structures. 

Property owners near hillsides should pay particular attention to changing conditions before and during periods of heavy rainfall. 

Clear Gutters and Drains 

Remove leaves, sediment and debris from: 

• Roof gutters and downspouts 
• Yard drains 
• Private drainage systems 
• Culverts on your property 

Do not place leaves, trash or debris in streets, gutters, flood control channels or storm drains. 

Inspect Trees and Roofs 

Trim dead or damaged branches that could fall during storms. Check roofs for damaged or missing materials and address maintenance needs before rainfall begins. 

Know Your Sandbag Resources 

Sandbags can help redirect shallow moving water away from structures when properly placed, but they do not guarantee protection from flooding. 

Orange County Public Works and other local agencies may provide sandbags at designated locations during the rainy season. 

Availability, quantity limits, eligibility and fill requirements may vary by location. Residents should review current information before visiting a distribution site. 

Consider Flood Insurance 

Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. 

Residents should review their coverage and learn about available flood insurance options through FloodSmart.gov.  

Some flood insurance policies have a waiting period before coverage takes effect, so residents should review their options before severe weather arrives. 

Businesses can also take steps before severe weather to protect employees, customers, property and critical operations. 

Before a Storm 

• Identify areas vulnerable to flooding. 
• Clear private drains, gutters and drainage areas. 
• Move important equipment, inventory and records away from areas that could flood. 
• Store important documents and back up electronic records securely. 
• Review insurance coverage and understand what is and is not covered. 
• Develop a plan for communicating with employees during emergencies. 
• Identify alternate work arrangements or closure procedures. 
• Keep emergency supplies onsite. 
• Make sure employees know evacuation routes and emergency procedures. 
• Review supplier, delivery and business continuity plans. 

During and After a Storm 

• Prioritize employee and customer safety. 
• Follow emergency alerts, evacuation instructions and road closure information. 
• Do not allow employees to enter flooded areas. 
• Inspect the property for hazards before reopening. 
• Photograph and document damage. 
• Contact insurance providers and appropriate agencies as needed.