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Date: |
September 15, 2026 |
20 |
Title
Receive a Presentation on the County of San Diego’s El Niño and Severe Weather Preparedness and Take Actions to Strengthen Community Preparedness (Districts: All)
EndOverview
Weather forecasts predict the strong likelihood of a historic El Niño event this fall and winter with the potential of significant impacts across California. For the San Diego County region this may include heavier than normal rainfall, heightened flood risk, coastal impacts, and increased strain on infrastructure. The emerging weather patterns serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of climate-driven events and the importance of proactive, coordinated measures to safeguard residents and our region. The County of San Diego (County) is working across the enterprise and in collaboration with regional partners to ensure collective readiness.
Today’s actions request the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to receive a presentation that will provide an overview of the anticipated impacts from El Niño-related weather, actions being taken by County departments to prepare for and respond to these impacts and information for residents on how they can prepare. In addition, today’s actions direct the Chief Administrative Officer to develop a Severe Weather Community Preparedness Resource Hub and engagement strategy to provide a centralized space for residents to learn about, find resources, and prepare for severe weather events.
Body
Recommendations by Chief Administrative Officer:
1) Receive a presentation on the County of San Diego’s El Niño and severe weather preparedness efforts.
2) Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to develop an enterprise-wide Severe Weather Community Preparedness Resource Hub and engagement strategy that strengthens access to preparedness resources, leverages community-based organizations and trusted messengers, addresses access and functional needs and other barriers, and incorporates community voice into preparedness efforts.
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Equity Impact Statement
Individuals with access and functional needs-including those with disabilities, older adults, children, individuals with limited English proficiency, and residents with limited transportation options-are disproportionately impacted by extreme weather. Today’s presentation will equip the Board of Supervisors and the public with vital information on the County of San Diego’s protocols and procedures designed to maintain safety during flood events, coastal impacts, landslides, and other hazards associated with El Niño. It will also provide guidance on the steps residents can take to strengthen personal and household preparedness ahead of potential winter storms.
Sustainability Impact Statement
Today’s presentation and direction to create a Severe Weather Community Preparedness Resource Hub support the County of San Diego’s Sustainability Goals by strengthening the region’s resilience to climate driven weather patterns, including the anticipated impacts of El Niño. Engaging communities in preparedness efforts helps ensure the capacity to respond to and recover from immediate needs affecting individuals, families, infrastructure, and the region.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with receiving the presentation or creation of the Severe Weather Community Preparedness Resource Hub. There is no change to the net General Fund cost and no additional staff years. Should future San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) actions stemming from this presentation result in fiscal impacts, staff will return to the Board with identified costs and funding options for consideration.
Business Impact Statement
N/A
Advisory Board Statement
N/A
Background
As of mid-August, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 90% chance of a very strong El Niño event and a 69% chance of a historic El Niño event in the Northern Hemisphere that exceeds the strength of previous El Niño events since 1950. In turn, the San Diego County region is expected to experience above-average rainfall, more frequent and intense storms, and increased flooding and landslide risk. With these projections underscoring the seriousness of inclement weather on the region, the County of San Diego (County) has been actively preparing for the anticipated impacts.
Today’s presentation will provide a weather outlook, including the current forecast and the anticipated severe weather impacts associated with this year’s projected El Niño. It will outline the essential actions County departments are undertaking to prepare roads, drainage systems, County facilities, parks, equipment and other critical infrastructure. The presentation will also highlight coordination efforts with other jurisdictions and regional partners, practical steps residents can take, and how the County will organize response, life-safety operations, and initial recovery following significant storm events. In addition, today’s actions direct the Chief Administrative Officer to develop a Severe Weather Community Preparedness Resource Hub and engagement strategy to strengthen community preparedness and ensure community voices are included in preparedness efforts.
Linkage To The County Of San Diego Strategic Plan
Today’s proposed action aligns with the Sustainability and Community Strategic Initiatives in the County of San Diego’s 2026-2031 Strategic Plan by strengthening regional preparedness, supporting safe and resilient communities, and ensuring the capability to respond effectively to local emergencies, including those driven by El Niño conditions.
Respectfully submitted,
Ebony N. Shelton
Chief Administrative Officer
Attachment(s)
N/A