Los Angeles Prepares for Historic El Niño Rains
Los Angeles and National Weather Service officials are taking a proactive approach to expected heavy winter rainfall driven by a historic El Niño event, city leaders announced during a Monday news conference.
Mayor Karen Bass stated that her office is taking the possibility of flooding and other adverse weather-related effects seriously as the region anticipates stronger winter storms than usual. City crews are assessing high-risk areas, strengthening stormwater infrastructure, and preparing emergency response teams ahead of the rainy season.
We do not know exactly how much rain LA will get this winter, but we know certainly what heavy rain and strong winds can do here,
Bass said during the news conference. That’s why we’re acting now, before the storms arrive.
El Niño May Bring Heavy Rainfall to Southern California
According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, there is a 69% chance of a historic El Niño event exceeding the strength of previous events dating back to 1950. Experts warn that the resulting weather patterns could bring heavy rainfall and flooding to Southern California.
Dr. Ariel Cohen with the National Weather Service emphasized that it remains too early to determine precise rainfall totals for the upcoming winter. We do not know the exact timing, track or intensity of future storms,
Cohen said. What the science supports today is elevated risk, but not certainty, about specific outcomes. Possibility and certainty are not the same thing.
Historical Rainfall Comparisons
National Weather Service records show that one of the region’s strongest El Niño events occurred during the 1997-1998 water year, which runs from October to September. While Southern California receives an average of 14.25 inches of rain during a standard water year, the 1997-1998 period brought 30.57 inches of precipitation to the area.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Emergency Guidance
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power interim General Manager David Hanson confirmed that local utility and public works agencies are reinforcing their operations. We are ready for El Niño and have strengthened our systems, our teams and our infrastructure to better protect the communities that we serve,
Hanson said.
To prepare for severe weather, city officials advise residents to take several proactive steps:
- Prepare emergency
go kits
containing essential supplies. - Sign up for official city alerts through emergency.lacity.gov/notifyla.
- Develop a plan with family in case of an emergency.
- Retrieve sandbags from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
Winter Weather Preparation Questions
What is the probability of a historic El Niño this winter?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center estimates a 69% chance that the current El Niño event will exceed the strength of historical events recorded since 1950.
How much rainfall does Los Angeles typically receive?
The region averages 14.25 inches of rain during a standard water year running from October through September, though powerful El Niño years like 1997-1998 have brought over 30 inches.
Where can residents obtain sandbags in Los Angeles?
Residents can retrieve sandbags from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) to help protect properties from potential flooding.
Related reading