The County of San Diego said in a news release Sept. 30, 2026 that it has proclaimed a local emergency to prepare for a potentially historic El Niño season.
The release said the declaration lets county crews and departments respond faster to storm impacts such as flooding, landslides, debris flows and damage to critical infrastructure; it also aligns with Governor ’s Sept. 21 statewide emergency proclamation.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, El Niño conditions in the tropical Pacific are strengthening with more than a 90% chance of a strong event this fall and winter; warmer‑than‑average ocean temperatures are expected to fuel steady, widespread rainfall and raise risks of heavy rain, urban flooding, mudslides, coastal erosion, stormwater system strain, road closures and power outages.
County Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton said, “Early action saves lives and property. This emergency declaration strengthens our ability to respond quickly, communicate clearly and make sure residents have the resources they need to stay safe throughout El Niño conditions.”
The county launched an El Niño 2026 Information Hub on AlertSanDiego.org with steps for residents and tools to use before, during and after storms; the release lists signing up for emergency alerts, free sandbag pickup at County and CAL FIRE stations, a Tell Us Now app to report non‑emergency storm issues on county infrastructure, current National Weather Service forecasts and a Know Your Hazards map.
County supervisors provided statements recounting damage from past storms and urging residents to prepare now; the release notes town halls and outreach the county is using to communicate risks and resources.
State
Gavin Newsom
Governor · Democrat
Named 2 times in this story.
Portrait: Official portrait
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