Overview
- Forecasters say El Niño has formed in the tropical Pacific and place about a 90% chance it will be a strong event this year, raising the odds of heavier winter rain and coastal storms for Southern California.
- L.A. County’s Office of Emergency Management briefed supervisors and has scheduled a countywide El Niño practice response exercise for September 13 to test coordination and spot gaps before storms arrive.
- L.A. County Public Works crews are inspecting and clearing storm drains and debris basins with a goal of having flood-control infrastructure ready by October 15.
- Officials urged residents to prepare now by packing 72‑hour emergency kits, clearing gutters, securing tarps and construction, considering sandbags, and buying flood insurance because standard policies typically do not cover flood loss.
- Agencies are prioritizing monitoring of burn scars such as Eaton and Palisades for mudslide risk and are developing flood-planning and shelter options for people living outdoors because those areas and unhoused populations are especially vulnerable.