10/23/2026
El Niño is coming this year. While it does not guarantee a wet winter, it brings a heightened risk of atmospheric rivers, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding across San Joaquin County.
Even a few inches of floodwater can cause tens of thousands of dollars in property damage, but you can minimize likelihood of damage through low cost measures including:
✅ Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel to higher floors or the attic if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
✅ Installing check valves in plumbing to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.
✅ Sealing walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage through cracks.
✅ Moving furniture and any other valuables to higher floors.
✅ Keeping materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing.
✅ Clearing brush and debris away from storm drains and ditches so water can drain away from the structure.
For more flood protection resources, visit: https://www.sjgov.org/department/pwk/water-resources/flood-protection-info
📱 Sign up for local emergency alerts: https://www.sjready.org
