Woodside FPD, CA
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Ready Before the Rain
What El Niño could mean for our community
Photo courtesy of Caltrans — Highway 84 slope failure, 2023
Many of us still remember the powerful storms of early 2023. After repeated periods of heavy rain, saturated soils and strong winds, our area experienced fallen trees, power outages, flooding, road closures and slope failures.
One of the most significant impacts was the large landslide that closed Highway 84 near Portola Road. The slide required major slope, retaining-wall, drainage and road repairs. Full two-way traffic was not restored until May 2024.
Those storms showed us how quickly conditions can change — and how one fallen tree, blocked road, failed culvert or extended outage can affect an entire neighborhood. That is why preparing early matters.
What is El Niño?
El Niño is a natural climate pattern that develops when ocean temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific become warmer than usual. Those warmer waters can shift weather patterns and influence the path and strength of winter storms.
NOAA reports that El Niño conditions are currently present and expected to strengthen through the end of 2026, with a 97% chance they will continue into early spring 2027. Even a very strong El Niño does not guarantee the same weather impacts everywhere.
Does El Niño mean we will have a wetter winter?
It could — but there are no guarantees.
El Niño may increase the chances of a wetter or stormier winter in California, but it cannot tell us exactly how much rain our area will receive, when the strongest storms will arrive or how severe they may be.
For our community, the better question is not whether we can predict the season perfectly. It is whether we are ready for the problems that heavy rain and wind can create.
Those may include:
- Downed trees and power lines
- Flooding and overwhelmed drainage
- Landslides, erosion or slope movement
- Extended power outages
- Blocked roads and temporary isolation
- Problems with wells, sump pumps, septic systems and communications
These are concerns during any major winter storm, whether or not the season ultimately turns out wetter than average.
Start preparing now
A few simple steps taken early can prevent much bigger problems once the rain begins.
Clear gutters and drainage
Clean roof gutters, downspouts, driveway drains, culverts and drainage ditches that you are responsible for maintaining. Make sure water can flow away from your home, driveway, foundation and nearby slopes. If you live on a private or shared road, now is also a good time to confirm who is responsible for nearby culverts and roadside drainage.
Check trees and slopes
Have leaning, damaged or declining trees evaluated by a qualified professional, especially if they are near homes, roads, driveways or utility lines.
Watch for signs of possible slope or retaining-wall problems, including:
- New cracks in soil, pavement, walls or foundations
- Bulging or leaning retaining walls
- Unusual seepage or new areas of flowing water
- Tilting trees, fences or utility poles
- Visible soil movement or erosion
Seek professional advice if something does not look right.
Prepare for outages
Test sump pumps, well pumps, backup batteries and generators before they are needed. Generators should always be used outdoors and well away from doors, windows, vents and attached structures. Make sure your home has working carbon-monoxide alarms.
Households on private or single-access roads should prepare for several days without normal road access, electricity or deliveries.
Review your routes
Know your primary route out of your neighborhood and identify a realistic alternate route when possible. Do not assume that a route across private property will be available unless permission and access have already been arranged.
Please be extra vigilant on the roadways during severe weather and keep the following safety reminders in mind:
- Avoid downed lines. Do not drive over, move, or touch downed power or phone lines, even if you believe they may be de-energized. Report downed lines immediately to emergency services or your utility company.
- If a power line falls on your car, stay inside, call 911, and wait for professional help. Stepping out of the vehicle could be life-threatening. Learn more about what to do →
- Respect emergency scenes. If you see emergency vehicles with lights on, traffic cones blocking the road, or personnel directing traffic to stop, stop a safe distance behind and do not proceed until you receive specific instructions.
- Watch for debris and flooding. Storms can bring down trees, branches and other debris, and cause flooding. Never drive through flooded roadways — it only takes a small amount of water to sweep your vehicle away.
- Allow extra travel time. Drive slowly, turn on your headlights for visibility, and leave extra space between vehicles. If travel is not necessary, consider delaying trips until conditions improve.
- Be mindful of first responders. Emergency crews are working hard to clear hazards and keep you safe. Please be patient, avoid distractions like using your phone, and follow their instructions.
Sign up for SMC Alert
SMC Alert is San Mateo County’s primary alert and warning system for urgent and emergency situations, including severe weather, flooding, road incidents and evacuation information. It is opt-in — register to receive local alerts by text, email or voice message. When registering, include your home, workplace and child’s school so notifications reach the right neighborhoods.
Register at smcalert.infoNeighborhood groups, Ready Communicators and radio systems can provide helpful supplemental information, but they do not replace 911, SMC Alert or official agency updates.
Check in with your neighbors
Take a few minutes before storm season to reach out to neighbors who may need extra help preparing, including:
- Older adults
- People with mobility or medical needs
- Residents relying on powered medical equipment
- People who may need help receiving alerts
- Neighbors who may need transportation
- Anyone who may need help gathering supplies
Think about the whole household
Make sure your plans include:
- Medications and powered medical equipment
- Water and nonperishable food
- Flashlights and spare batteries
- Phone power banks and first aid supplies
- Warm clothing and rain gear
- Pets, livestock and important documents
A quick conversation now can make it much easier to help one another if the power goes out, roads are blocked or conditions become difficult.
Prepare early. Stay ready.
We cannot control the weather, but we can take steps now to make our homes, roads and neighborhoods better prepared. Sign up for alerts, check on the people around you, and get ready before the rain. A little preparation now can make a big difference when the next storm arrives.