City Preparing for Potentially Strong El Niño Season

The City of Oceanside is moving ahead with preparations for a potentially very strong El Niño season. City departments are coordinating storm response, clearing drainage infrastructure, and reviewing emergency flood-response procedures ahead of the fall and winter storm season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center now puts the odds of a very strong El Niño above 90 percent for this fall and winter. See how El Niño impacts our weather

Preparing Before the Storms

To prepare ahead of storms, the City convened an El Niño Working Group with representatives from Public Works, Engineering, Fire, Police, Water Utilities, and the City Manager's Office. The group is meeting to align on infrastructure readiness, activation triggers for a coordinated response, and how the City will communicate with residents once storms arrive. The City's Emergency Operations Center has also conducted training this month, testing and strengthening how departments coordinate during an active emergency response before conditions require it.

Oceanside Public Works crews have been out ahead of the season clearing storm drains and channels throughout the city. During active storm periods, crews will patrol for flooding, and equipment and barricades will be staged in case road closures are temporarily needed. A separate team will be on standby to clear downed trees and limbs from public streets.

The City's Engineering Division offers site visits and technical guidance to residents and businesses concerned about flooding or drainage on their property. Reach the division at [email protected] or (760) 435-4373, or review the City's Flood Preparedness Information online.

"Preparing for a season like this takes every department working from the same playbook. Public Works, Fire, Police, Engineering and Water Utilities have been coordinating, and that work will continue throughout the fall and winter," said City Manager Jonathan Borrego. "We're taking these steps now so we're ready to respond when storms arrive, and we encourage residents to do the same."

Monitoring the San Luis Rey River

The San Luis Rey River corridor has flooded before. The worst event on record struck in January 1916, when a month-long storm cycle destroyed the river's rail and highway bridges and reshaped the coastline at its mouth. More recently, the river crested at a record 21.70 feet at the Oceanside gauge during the 1993 storms.

Following these events, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) completed construction of the San Luis Rey River Flood Risk Management Project in 2000. The project was designed to increase flood protection to the San Luis Rey River Valley.

City staff, in coordination with the USACE, closely monitor the river before and during storm season and coordinate with the County and National Weather Service on rainfall thresholds that would trigger an appropriate response.

The City of Oceanside is responsible for the maintenance and operation of specific components of the flood control system. In preparation for winter, the Public Works Department performs detention basin mowing and maintenance, storm drain and channel maintenance, and annual vegetation management activities.

As part of the annual vegetation management program, the City mows a cross-section of the river channel between College Boulevard and Benet Road. This work begins after September 15 and is scheduled to be completed by mid-November. The estimated mowing area is approximately 171 acres.

Ready to Respond

"Our crews train for this every year, but a season this strong has prompted us to start the preparation earlier than normal. We will be working in close coordination with our neighboring agencies, Cal Fire and the Governor's Office of Emergency Services to ensure we are staging adequate resources and will monitor conditions closely. If we ask you to evacuate or avoid an area, it's because we've seen something that tells us it's necessary," said Fire Chief Jess Specht.

The Fire Department's Lifeguard Division includes staff highly trained in swiftwater rescue. During heavy rain events, these teams deploy alongside regional partners including CAL FIRE and regional cities to carry out complex water and flood rescues.

The Oceanside Police Department has also equipped patrol vehicles with hi-lo sirens, a unique two-tone alert sound used for emergency evacuations. If flooding requires evacuating a neighborhood, officers will drive through the affected area using the hi-lo siren so residents recognize it as a signal to act, separate from a standard patrol siren.

"Our officers will be out during every major storm, checking flood-prone areas. The fastest way to stay informed is for Oceanside residents to sign up for Ready Oceanside alerts now, so they're not searching for information after a storm is already underway," said Police Chief Taurino Valdovinos. "Text the word Oceanside to 67283, or sign up online through the Smart911 website . The system will notify you by text or email in multiple languages. You can also receive real-time evacuation orders via the Genasys Protect app."

Stay Connected

• Sign up for Ready Oceanside . This alert system notifies you by text, email, or voice, in multiple languages. Text the word Oceanside to 67283 or sign up here.
• Sign up for AlertSD. Sign up for countywide emergency alerts through Alert San Diego, which sends notifications to your cell phone during emergencies. Landlines are automatically enrolled.
• Download the Genasys Protect app. If an emergency evacuation is called, the app shows exact zones and helps residents get out and back home more quickly.
• Make emergency plans with your family and talk through them together. Plan for pets, too.

Know Your Flood Risk

Check whether your property sits in a FEMA-designated flood zone through the City's floodplain management page or the FEMA Flood Map Service Center . Knowing your risk ahead of time makes it easier to decide what steps are worth taking now.

The City's Engineering Division provides information and technical assistance regarding floodplain and property drainage issues, including site visits and advice on flood protection measures for your property. Email [email protected] or call (760) 435-4373. Flood Preparedness Information

Prepare Your Property

We normally get advance notice before a major storm arrives. When high winds are forecast,clear your yard. Move bikes, lawn furniture, umbrellas, and grills inside or under shelter to prevent damage.

Get Sandbags if Needed

If your home or business is prone to flooding or erosion, use sandbags. Get them before a big storm, not during. Sandbags are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Oceanside residents can pick up free sand and 10 free sandbags (bring a shovel) at Moody's El Corazon Recycling, 3210 Oceanside Boulevard, just east of El Camino Real. Bring a photo ID showing your Oceanside address. Pre-filled bags are often available for a nominal price. Moody's is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and often closes early in bad weather. Call ahead at (760) 433-3316.

Build an Emergency Supply Kit

During and after a storm or emergency, you may need to get by on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies on hand. Build a kit.

Prepare for Power Outages

A power outage can affect the entire community. It can disrupt communications and close businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, and ATMs. Download the SDG&E mobile app to check the outage map for power restoration estimates in your area. SDG&E Mobile App Info.

• Stock batteries and alternatives to meet your household's needs when power goes out.
• Determine whether your home phone will work during an outage.
• Check that you have flashlights and extra batteries for each family member.
• Go to a designated shelter if conditions become too cold or too hot.
• Turn off or disconnect appliances in case of a power surge when service is restored.

During a Storm

Avoid Unnecessary Travel

When possible, avoid driving during heavy rain. Wait until conditions improve. If you must travel, slow down. Maintain a safe following distance and keep your headlights on. Brake gently and early to avoid skidding. If visibility is poor, pull over somewhere safe and wait it out. Roads can wash out or flood quickly. Turn around instead of driving through standing water. Even shallow floodwater can sweep a vehicle off the road.

Stay Away from the Beach During Storm Surge and High Tide

El Niño storms can often coincide with high surf and elevated tides, and the combination can turn Oceanside's beaches and pier into dangerous places to be during active weather. Waves generated by storms can arrive with little warning and strike well above the normal high tide line, and rip currents grow stronger and less predictable during large swells.

The Strand can be closed during very high tide storm events because incoming surf throws cobble onto the roadway, creating a hazard for drivers and pedestrians. Treat a Strand closure as a sign that surf and tide conditions are unsafe for the beach as well, not just the road.

Encountering Downed Power Lines

Downed lines are dangerous. Never touch them, and avoid touching anything or anyone in contact with a fallen line. Do not drive over them. Call SDG&E immediately at 800-411-7343 to report the issue. More tips.