El Niño May Be Coming. Prepare Your Home Now.

A strong El Niño is expected this year, which may increase the likelihood of a wetter-than-average winter in Southern California. While no one can predict exactly how much rain we’ll receive, now is the time to prepare your home, family, and neighborhood before the first major storm arrives.

What Is El Niño?

El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern caused by warmer-than-average ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific. These warmer waters can shift the jet stream farther south, increasing the likelihood that Southern California could experience stronger winter storms.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), forecasters expect this year’s El Niño to be among the strongest on record. While that doesn’t guarantee severe weather in Calabasas, it does increase the likelihood of above-average rainfall.

Rather than waiting for the forecast, think back to the last heavy rainstorm. What happened at your home?

🪜 Did your roof leak?	Have your roof inspected now for loose tiles, damaged flashing, or other areas where water could enter your home.
🏡 Did you experience flooding, mudslides, or property damage?	Take steps now to prevent it from happening again. If your property is vulnerable, consider buying sandbags before storms arrive.
🧹 Did your gutters overflow or drain poorly?	Remove leaves and debris from gutters, roof drains, downspouts, and storm drains. Repair damaged sections before the rainy season begins.
💧 Did water pool around your home’s foundation?	Check your drainage to ensure water flows safely away from your house and toward the storm drain.
🔌 Did you lose power or internet service?	Review your emergency supplies, charge backup batteries, and consider how your household would function during an extended outage.
📱 Did the storm catch you by surprise?	Sign up now for emergency weather alerts to give yourself time to prepare before severe weather arrives.
🗺️ Do you know how you would leave your neighborhood if roads were flooded or blocked?	Review your evacuation routes before you need them.

Do you Live in an HOA? Ask How Your Community Is Preparing

Many Calabasas neighborhoods are governed by a homeowners association (HOA) which maintains common areas, slopes, drainage systems, and landscaping. Consider attending an upcoming board meeting now to ask how your community is preparing for the possibility of a wetter-than-average winter. Simple discussions now about storm drain maintenance, slope inspections, and erosion prevention can help reduce problems before the first major storm arrives.

Slow Down: Hydroplaning Happens Faster Than You Think

One of the biggest dangers during an El Niño isn’t flooding—it’s hydroplaning.

Hydroplaning occurs when your tires can no longer push water out of the way and instead ride on top of it. When that happens, your tires lose contact with the road, and you can lose steering, braking, and control of your vehicle.

Many drivers don’t realize:

Even 1/10 inch of water can be enough to cause hydroplaning.
Speeds above 35 mph dramatically increase the risk.
A heavier vehicle is not immune.
Worn tires increase the risk, but even brand-new tires can hydroplane if there’s more water than the tread can move.
Once a vehicle is hydroplaning, braking won’t immediately help because the tires aren’t touching the pavement. The vehicle won’t regain traction until it slows enough for the tires to reconnect with the road.

The best way to prevent hydroplaning is simple: slow down before you reach standing water, leave extra following distance, and avoid sudden braking or sharp steering in heavy rain.