With a strong El Niño expected this winter, Sacramento County is preparing for heavy rainfall, flooding and severe winter storms.
During the Nov. 3 Board of Supervisors meeting, the County’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) presented its preparations for the upcoming storm season and what residents can do to prepare.
The presentation featured information from weather experts at the National Weather Service (NWS) Sacramento office and Sacramento County OES, explaining what El Niño could mean for the region, how weather patterns are monitored, and how residents can stay informed and safe.
While El Niño increases the likelihood of a wet winter, it does not guarantee one. County officials encourage residents to prepare for winter weather regardless of the forecast, since even one major storm can cause flooding and other impacts.
Understanding El Niño and what it could mean for Sacramento County
We talked to the National Weather Service (NWS) about what to expect and why forecasters are predicting the potential for heavy rainfall and flooding this year.
NWS Meteorologist Courtney Carpenter explains that understanding this year's forecast starts with understanding the natural weather pattern.
“El Niño is the warm phase of a climate pattern called El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which occurs in the tropical Pacific Ocean. Normally, strong winds along the Equator push warm ocean water west toward Asia. During El Niño, those winds weaken, allowing warmer water to shift east toward the Americas. This releases heat and moisture into the atmosphere and can change the position of the jet stream, which helps steer weather systems across North America. El Niño is not a storm or an atmospheric river. It is a climate pattern that can influence weather conditions around the world,” said Carpenter.
She explained why this year's El Niño is expected to be stronger and potentially wetter than usual.
“This year's event is on track to be very strong and potentially record-breaking, with ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific several degrees warmer than average. Warmer ocean temperatures can contribute more heat and moisture to the atmosphere, increasing the potential for heavier rainfall and stronger storm systems along the West Coast,” said Carpenter.
NWS uses weather models, satellite imagery, radar and thousands of observations to monitor conditions and forecast winter storms.
This information helps forecasters issue alerts for hazardous weather, including flooding, high winds, fog and thunderstorms. NWS also works closely with local emergency management agencies, including Sacramento County OES, to help communities prepare for and respond to hazardous weather.
How Sacramento County is preparing
The County's Office of Emergency Services (OES) works closely with NWS and local agencies prepare for potential flooding and other winter weather emergencies.
Chief of Emergency Services Mary Jo Flynn explained how the County prepares and what residents can do to keep themselves and their families safe.
"Our office brings together representatives from cities, special districts and nonprofit organizations to discuss potential emergency scenarios and the resources and services each can provide. This helps everyone understand what resources are available and how to access them during an emergency," said Flynn.
Residents can take several steps to prepare for winter weather. Register for emergency alerts or update your information at Ready.SacCounty.gov. You can also follow updates from Sacramento County OES, the Department of Water Resources at StormReady.org, the National Weather Service Sacramento office and local radio and television news.
"It's also important to check in with family members and neighbors and discuss how you can share information and help one another if flooding, downed trees or power outages occur," said Flynn.
With more than 20 years of experience in emergency services, Flynn said preparation can make a significant difference.
"Knowing what to expect and having a plan for how to respond are just as important as having supplies available in case you lose power or need to evacuate. People genuinely try to help one another during emergencies. Neighbors, nonprofits and faith-based organizations all play an important role. There are many ways to volunteer, but one of the most effective is to sign up in advance with an organization such as the Sacramento Medical Reserve Corps," said Flynn.
Residents should also have a plan for contacting and reuniting with family and friends, consider obtaining flood insurance and making copies of important documents to keep in a waterproof location.
Learn more about preparing for El Niño
While no one can predict exactly how El Niño will affect Sacramento County this winter, residents can take steps now to prepare for potential storms and flooding.