As Southern California moves toward the fall and winter rainy season, residents across the Inland Empire have an important reason to begin preparing early: El Niño is strengthening in the tropical Pacific.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center issued an El Niño Advisory in August and reported a greater than 90 percent chance that a very strong El Niño will develop during fall and winter 2026-27. NOAA also cautions that a powerful El Niño does not guarantee unusually heavy rainfall in any particular California community.
Still, the outlook is enough to make preparation worthwhile. California-Nevada drought officials reported in late August that seasonal forecasts favor increased chances of above-normal precipitation across portions of Southern California this fall. History also shows why residents should remain prepared: two of the three strongest El Niño events since 1950 produced extremely wet conditions across California and Nevada, while another produced near-normal precipitation.
For Inland Empire communities, heavy winter storms can bring localized street flooding, overflowing drainage channels, downed trees, power outages and hazardous driving conditions. Areas near hillsides and recent wildfire burn scars can face additional danger from mud and debris flows.
The California Department of Water Resources recommends that residents know their flood risk, prepare emergency supplies and establish an evacuation and family communication plan before severe weather arrives. Homeowners can also help by clearing leaves and debris from gutters and drainage areas and keeping sandbags or other flood-control materials available if their property has experienced flooding in the past.
Drivers should never attempt to cross a flooded roadway. Water can conceal damaged pavement, debris or unexpectedly strong currents, and even relatively shallow moving water can make a vehicle difficult to control.
Residents may also want to review their insurance coverage before the first major storm. Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flood damage, according to the California Department of Insurance. National Flood Insurance Program policies also commonly have a 30-day waiting period before coverage becomes effective, making early preparation particularly important.
El Niño does not mean every storm will be severe, nor does it guarantee a wet winter. What it does provide is an opportunity to prepare.
Checking roofs and gutters, trimming vulnerable trees, assembling emergency supplies, reviewing evacuation routes and paying attention to National Weather Service alerts now can make a significant difference when winter weather arrives.
With months of potentially active weather ahead, preparation before the rain begins may be one of the simplest ways Inland Empire families can protect their homes, vehicles and loved ones.