Los Angeles officials planning for potentially historic El Niño, tell me about this news today
05-10-2026
Los Angeles city and county officials, in coordination with the National Weather Service, have begun rolling out extensive emergency preparations ahead of what forecasters warn could be a historically strong El Niño winter.
CBS NewsKey Details of the Announcements:
High Probability of a Historic Event: Climate models from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center indicate a significant probability that this El Niño pattern could rival or surpass the strength of previous major events, such as the 1997–1998 season that brought record rainfall and widespread infrastructure damage across Southern California.
CBS NewsLocal Emergency Declarations: Los Angeles County leaders, led by the Board of Supervisors, issued proactive local emergency proclamations. The aim is to accelerate coordination across municipal departments, public safety agencies, first responders, and state and federal disaster services before the first major winter storm systems hit.
ColoradoBoulevard.net+ 1Infrastructure and Coastal Protections: City and county departments are focusing resources on clearing catch basins, storm drains, and flood-control channels to prevent flash flooding and street inundation. Vulnerable coastal areas (such as Long Beach and Malibu) and hillside burn-scar zones are receiving targeted reinforcement against storm surges, beach erosion, mudslides, and debris flows.
CBS NewsPort and Marine Readiness: The Port of Los Angeles and regional maritime agencies have placed terminal operators, shipping lines, and pilots on alert to manage dangerous swells and implement offshore vessel relocation if necessary.
Port of Los AngelesPublic Guidance: Officials emphasize that while El Niño increases the odds of stronger atmospheric rivers and wetter-than-average conditions, preparedness is the main priority. Residents across Los Angeles are being urged to sign up for local emergency alert systems, locate designated sandbag distribution sites, and prepare household evacuation plans for flood-prone or steep terrain.
The San Fernando Valley Sun