Cities across Orange County are preparing for what experts describe as a Super El Niño season, with forecasts indicating high tides and significant rainfall for Southern California extending through March of next year. Rain is anticipated for the upcoming weekend, including Halloween.
Officials in coastal areas are directing workers to reinforce beaches by establishing berms and clearing drains. Several cities have already declared states of emergency following recent tropical storms and hurricanes that caused coastal erosion and damaged homes.
At their October 20 meeting, the San Clemente City Council unanimously voted to extend an emergency declaration stemming from Hurricane Marie in September and to issue a new declaration for Tropical Storm Rachel earlier this month. San Clemente Community Development Director Adam Atamian stated that these declarations enable staff to continue clearing debris, monitoring storms and tides, and placing berms and sandbags in affected zones. Atamian explained that city departments and executive staff had been monitoring weather and tidal conditions, implementing protective measures, assessing infrastructure damage, coordinating with regional agencies, and documenting emergency response and recovery costs.
San Clemente recently experienced a 570-acre wildfire, propelled by dry conditions and Santa Ana winds. In the period between the fire and the recent storms, crews ensured drains were clear and positioned sandbags around the burn scar area. This measure aims to prevent debris from entering drainage systems and to mitigate potential mudslides. Atamian emphasized the critical role of coordinated emergency management across city departments, stating that current efforts will enhance preparedness for the approaching El Niño season.
Dana Point officials also declared an emergency following Tropical Storm Rachel and continued an emergency related to Hurricane Marie. These declarations are specifically for the Beach Road area within the Capo Bay district. The emergency status allows the city to acquire necessary resources without a competitive bidding process and grants the authority to implement a curfew, if required, according to a staff report. This follows nearly two dozen homes in the city receiving red or yellow tags due to heavy rain; as of October 19, ten homes were red-tagged, thirteen yellow-tagged, with two already demolished and one more scheduled for demolition.
City Clerk Shayna Sharke advised residents to secure outdoor furniture, remove umbrellas, and inspect roofs as the weather systems continue. Sharke confirmed that residents can collect up to ten filled sandbags from the city to protect their properties, and crews are actively removing debris and maintaining drains. Sharke noted that the city is “working hard to prepare for any potential emergencies” resulting from El Niño and other coastal storms. Dana Point is not constructing sand berms on many beaches and coastal properties, such as Doheny State Beach, as these are owned by the county or state.
Inland, at the October 20 Yorba Linda City Council meeting, Principal Civil Engineer Regina Hu outlined the city’s preparations. These include assessing potential high-risk locations, identifying flood-prone areas, preparing emergency resources, and coordinating with the Orange County Fire Authority and Yorba Linda Water District. Hu detailed erosion control measures such as staging over 20,000 sandbags along trails and slopes, clearing sites vulnerable to rain damage, and increasing the removal and trimming of trees and shrubbery.
Hu also advised Yorba Linda residents to prepare. She recommended staying informed through county and city alert systems, knowing evacuation routes, planning for supplies, cleaning drainage areas around properties, and discussing family safety plans before the rain. Flyers are being distributed to homeowners with septic tanks to provide information on preventative measures. Residents can obtain sandbags at local fire stations 53, 10, and 32 on a first-come, first-served basis. After the rain, Hu cautioned residents to avoid flooded roadways and to be vigilant for debris, potential hillside issues, and downed power lines or utilities. City Manager Peter Grant stated that the city’s public works crews maintain gutters and storm drains during every rainy season. Hu also noted that the city installed additional drainage raisers and catch basins following the 2008 Freeway Complex Fire, which aids in reducing debris collection and simplifying cleanup efforts.
