OCEANSIDE — The city is preparing for what climate scientists predict will be a very strong El Niño during the fall and winter storm season.
City departments have begun developing a comprehensive storm response plan that includes clearing drainage infrastructure and reviewing emergency flood response procedures ahead of the anticipated strong storm season.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, the chance of a very strong El Niño is above 90%, meaning the event could rank among the strongest on record.
El Niño occurs when temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean remain at least 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit above average for several consecutive months.
In August, NOAA issued an advisory stating that, with ocean temperatures more than 3.6 degrees above average, there is “a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event during the Northern Hemisphere fall and winter 2026-27.”
According to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, El Niño typically brings more storms and increased winter rainfall to Southern California.
La Niña, on the other hand, is a weather anomaly that occurs when temperatures in the equatorial Pacific are colder than average and is typically associated with drier winters. Scripps scientists note that every El Niño is different and can sometimes produce a dry winter, just as La Niña can bring wet conditions.
According to Scripps, the ocean warming that occurs during an El Niño year can drive the average global temperature higher by heating the atmosphere around the equator.
While more rain is generally welcomed by Southern Californians, it can also bring flooded roads and homes, bluff and cliff erosion, damaged infrastructure, dangerously high surf and other public safety concerns.
To prepare, the city of Oceanside has formed an El Niño Working Group with representatives from Public Works, Engineering, Fire, Police, Water Utilities and the city manager’s office.
“Preparing for a season like this takes every department working from the same playbook,” City Manager Jonathan Borrego said in a recent announcement. “We’re taking these steps now so we’re ready to respond when storms arrive, and we encourage residents to do the same.”
The city’s Emergency Operations Center also began training last month to test and strengthen coordination among city departments.
Meanwhile, city crews have been clearing storm drains and channels. During the storm season, crews will patrol the city for flooding and establish road closures as needed, while a separate team will remain on standby to clear downed trees and limbs.
Residents and businesses concerned about flooding and drainage on their properties can schedule site visits and receive technical guidance from the city’s Engineering Division by emailing [email protected] or calling 760-435-4373.
As part of its preparations, the city, in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will closely monitor the San Luis Rey River before and during the storm season.
The river has flooded before, with the worst event on record occurring in January 1916, when a monthlong storm cycle destroyed the river’s rail and highway bridges and reshaped the coastline at its mouth. In 1993, the river crested at a record 21.70 feet in Oceanside.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed construction of the San Luis Rey River Flood Risk Management Project in 2000 to increase flood protection along the river.
Oceanside is responsible for maintaining and operating specific components of the system. To prepare for winter, the city’s Public Works Department mows and maintains detention basins, storm drains, channels and vegetation annually.
As part of that work, the city will mow a 171-acre section of the river channel between College Boulevard and Benet Road beginning after Sept. 15, with work expected to conclude by mid-November.
The city’s first responders are also preparing for winter. The Fire Department’s Lifeguard Division includes personnel trained in swift-water rescue who will be deployed during heavy rain.
“Our crews train for this every year, but a season this strong has prompted us to start the preparation earlier than normal,” Fire Chief Jess Specht said.
Oceanside police also have patrol vehicles equipped with hi-lo sirens for use during emergency evacuations. The vehicles will alert residents when they must evacuate a flooded neighborhood.
“Our officers will be out during every major storm, checking flood-prone areas,” Police Chief Taurino Valdovinos said.
Valdovinos recommended that residents sign up for Ready Oceanside alerts by texting “Oceanside” to 67283 or registering online through the Smart911 website.
“If we ask you to evacuate or avoid an area, it’s because we’ve seen something that tells us it’s necessary,” Specht added.
The city provides residents with a full preparedness checklist on its website.
