Potentially historic El Niño triggers preparations for possible flooding in LA County
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles County officials are urging residents to begin preparing now for what forecasters say could be an unusually strong El Niño season, with county leaders warning of the potential for significant weather impacts during the upcoming rainy season.
"This year they're calling it a Super El Niño," said Mark Pestrella, director of Los Angeles County Public Works.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center has said there is a greater than 90% chance of very strong weather events this winter. That forecast prompted county leaders to discuss preparedness efforts during a Board of Supervisors meeting months before the rainy season typically begins.
"There are predictions that this El Niño will be extraordinary in terms of its impact," Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said. County officials said public works and emergency services departments are preparing for the possibility of major storms.
Pestrella said the county's flood control infrastructure, including dams, spreading grounds and 144 debris basins designed to move stormwater from the mountains to the ocean, is prepared. Still, county leaders emphasized that individual residents also have a role to play in preparing for severe weather. Pestrella encouraged homeowners to assess potential risks around their properties.
"They can go and know about their property. Do they live in an area that Hillside area you're gonna be higher vulnerability because of that do they have pond around their home? Have they done a simple thing of cleaning out the gutters?" he said.
Officials also advised residents in higher-risk areas to consider flood insurance. Pestrella identified the Antelope Valley, Malibu and low-lying areas of Long Beach and Los Angeles as locations that may face increased flood concerns.
"In the low-lying areas we expect we're gonna have higher or more inundation or ponding than we normally see in any event that we have in LA County, and if we have intense rainfall, we expect to be doubled up," Pestrella said.
County officials said preparation efforts are continuing ahead of the rainy season. Horvath is scheduled to host a virtual town hall later in the month, where county experts will answer questions and provide information aimed at helping residents prepare before severe weather arrives.
