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El Niño can increase the likelihood of a wet winter in California, including heavy rain, flooding, landslides and damaging coastal conditions. While El Niño can influence winter weather, the connection between El Niño and increased precipitation is generally stronger in Southern California and less consistent in Central and Northern California.
El Niño is a natural climate pattern caused by warmer-than-normal waters in the tropical Pacific Ocean. It can shift weather patterns worldwide and is often associated with wetter winters in California, though impacts vary by year and location.
Scientists are predicting a particularly strong El Niño, but how that affects Santa Cruz County remains to be seen. Residents are encouraged to prepare for winter weather now and stay informed as conditions develop. The resources below provide information on El Niño, local hazards and preparedness.
Listos California Disaster Ready Guide English | Español
Prepare an emergency plan, gather supplies, plan for medications and other essential needs, and make sure everyone in your household knows what to do during an emergency.
Listos California Storm Season Safety English (versión en español disponible)
Information on preparing for and staying safe during floods, power outages, high winds, cold weather, mudslides and debris flows.
CruzAware Emergency Alerts English | Español
Sign up to receive emergency alerts by text, phone or email. CruzAware supports multiple languages and allows users to select their preferred language and notification methods.
Know Your Evacuation Zone English (versión en español disponible)
Know your zone and become familiar with multiple routes out of your neighborhood before an emergency.
Before heavy rain, clear gutters, downspouts, drains and culverts; check roofs and areas where water may enter; secure outdoor items; and make sure water drains away from structures.
Sand and Sandbag Locations English/Español
RCD Storm, Drainage & Property Resources English (versión en español disponible)
Free Drainage & Erosion Assistance English (versión en español disponible)
Private Roads Maintenance Guide English
Prepare Your Home for Flooding — National Flood Insurance Program English | Español
Follow official emergency instructions and monitor CruzAware and trusted weather and emergency information.
Santa Cruz County Emergency Information – OR3 English (versión en español disponible)
National Weather Service – Bay Area/Monterey Bay English
Santa Cruz County S.A.F.E.R. Interactive Map English
Santa Cruz County Flood Warning System English
Avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather. Never drive through a flooded roadway, and remember that conditions on mountain and rural roads can change rapidly.
Santa Cruz County Road Closures and Advisories English
Caltrans QuickMap – State Highway Conditions English
Stay away from downed power lines and always assume they are energized. Call 911 for an immediate threat to life or safety.
PG&E Power Outage Map English | Español
PG&E Outage and Safety Information English | Español
If you are asked to evacuate, take your pets with you whenever possible. Plan ahead for transportation, supplies and a safe destination, and evacuate large animals early when conditions allow. Local resources are available to help residents prepare for and respond to animal evacuation needs.
Pets During an Emergency — Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter English
Large Animal & Equine Evacuation — Santa Cruz County English (versión en español disponible)
Wait until officials say it is safe before returning to an evacuated area. Watch for damaged roads, unstable slopes, downed power lines, gas leaks, contaminated water and other hazards. Continue monitoring road closures and utility restoration information.
Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience (OR3) English (versión en español disponible)
Floodwater may contain sewage, chemicals and other hazards. Use appropriate protective equipment when cleaning, avoid electrical hazards, and dry wet buildings and belongings as quickly as possible to help prevent mold. EPA provides detailed guidance for safely entering, cleaning and drying a flooded home.
EPA - Flooded Homes Cleanup Guidance English | Español
EPA - Mold Cleanup After Disasters English | Español
EPA - Private Wells After a Flood English | Español
When it is safe, photograph property damage before cleanup or repairs. Contact your insurance provider and keep records and receipts for damage, temporary repairs and disaster-related expenses.
Insurance Tips for People Affected by Winter Storms English | Español
During a major disaster, additional local, state and federal assistance may become available. Follow County emergency information for instructions on reporting damage and applying for assistance.
Santa Cruz County Recovery Resources English (versión en español disponible)
FEMA Disaster Assistance English | Español
California Office of Emergency Services – Individual Assistance English | Español