OCEANSIDE — As the threat of a “Super El Niño” looms over Southern California, Oceanside has joined a growing number of cities, counties and the state in declaring an emergency to address impending storm conditions before they cause more damage.
Over the summer, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center reported that an exceptionally strong and potentially historic El Niño event was expected this winter. As a result, some have begun calling the approaching storm season a “Super El Niño.”
In September, Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency. A few days later, San Diego County followed suit.
The Oceanside City Council unanimously agreed to declare a local emergency on Oct. 21, allowing the city to address vulnerabilities before conditions worsen at places such as Buena Vista Lagoon, Loma Alta Creek, the San Luis Rey River, the Oceanside Pier and the North and South Strand. The declaration also allows the city to coordinate preparedness activities and respond quickly as conditions develop.
City Manager Jonathan Borrego explained that the declaration lets the city tap into emergency funds and grants and speeds up the permitting process.
“It’s valuable because we don’t have to wait for outside agencies to approve repairs,” Borrego said.
Assistant City Manager Michael Gossman said the city’s beaches are already stressed by recent swells, which have given the sand “no time to recover.”
Borrego noted that the city has also experienced unanticipated damage along the Strand during recent storm activity.
Oceanside had already started taking steps to address the incoming storm season before declaring a local emergency.
Earlier this year, Borrego formed an interdepartmental El Niño working group to coordinate the response.
According to city staff, existing conditions that need to be addressed include:
- Structural deterioration and bracing concerns involving both the wooden and concrete portions of the pier.
- Remnants of the former Pacific Street crossing that need to be removed to improve flow at the mouth of the San Luis Rey River.
- Accumulated sediment in the San Luis Rey River and Buena Vista Lagoon, as well as vegetation growth at Buena Vista Creek.
- Maintaining emergency access to the wastewater lift station and sewer transmission main near Buena Vista Creek.
The city is working with the Army Corps of Engineers on a comprehensive flood management program for the San Luis Rey River. The council recently agreed to pay approximately $8.67 million toward its share of the flood control project.
Every summer, the city clears debris from drains, channels and basins. This year, that work included cleaning and inspecting 2,500 storm drain inlets, clearing 13 miles of storm drain channels, maintaining 21 city drainage basins and removing 2,687 tons of debris through street sweeping, among other tasks.
The city also mows 75 acres of vegetation along the San Luis Rey River channel from Benet Road to College Boulevard. The Army Corps is expected to remove sediment along the river.
The city also created a webpage with information about El Niño and how residents can prepare their property and plan for emergencies. Staff members have held several community meetings to explain the threat of severe winter weather, reaching as many as 500 residents so far. Community members have requested more meetings.
Other city responses include increased swiftwater rescue training for Oceanside Fire Department crews and targeted police patrols to check known flood-prone areas, low-lying roads, underpasses and other vulnerable spots.
According to city staff, residents can prepare by:
- Protecting their property: Clear gutters and nearby drains, have sandbags ready before a storm and buy flood insurance.
- Making a plan: Know evacuation routes, plan for pets, medications and neighbors who need help and pick a family meeting place.
- Building a kit: Pack water and food for at least three days, a flashlight, radio, batteries, chargers, medications and important documents.
- Getting alerts: Download apps such as Alert San Diego and Genasys Protect, and know your evacuation zone.
Residents can get sandbags at Moody’s Landfill at 3210 Oceanside Blvd. during regular hours of operation: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Emergency Management Coordinator Ashley Lyons also cautioned residents to “turn around, don’t drown” when encountering high water and to avoid bluffs, jetties and the Strand during high surf.
