On September 21, 2026, Governor Newsom declared a State of Emergency.

California residents should prepare now for potential severe weather conditions El Niño may bring this rain season. Storms, Flash floods, rapid water rise, river overflow, power outages, landslides, mudslides, and sewer backups are to be expected.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”), the federal agency charged with monitoring and forecasting weather conditions as well as conditions of the oceans, climate, atmosphere, and natural hazards, has reported a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño during the 2026 fall and winter, including a 75% chance that it could exceed the strength of prior El Niño events dating back to 1950. We are expected to see heavy rain, flash flooding, mudslides, debris flows, roof damage, sewer backups, and coastal erosion, all of which can result in destruction of property.

Homeowners living near the coast, mountains, hillsides, waterways, or those with inadequate drainage should prepare for rain, flash floods, mudflows, sewer backups, and other water related emergencies.

Homeowners should pay special attention to their insurance policies, photograph their homes and belongings, and, most importantly, confirm if the dwelling limits in their policies reflect the current cost of rebuilding the home (not the home’s purchase price or market value). Homeowners should ask their insurance agents, in writing, whether their policies provide sufficient coverage for rebuilding the home in the event of a loss or a total loss from rain, water, flood, flash flood, mudslide, debris flow, contaminated water, or sewer backups. Purchasing extended coverage should be a priority.

Many homeowners mistakenly believe their insurance policies fully cover them for these types of emergencies. Homeowner policies generally do not cover flood, landslide, earth movement, or mudflow! Separate flood insurance is necessary, and many flood policies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.

Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to contact your insurance company. Many insurers stop issuing or increasing coverage when severe weather is imminent.

Review your policy now, photograph your home and belongings, save receipts, clean your gutters and drains, and keep copies of your insurance documents in a safe, accessible location.

Stay informed, stay connected, and stay safe!!!

Emergency preparedness can be found in the following links:

Wireless Emergency Alerts:
https://calalerts.org/

National Weather Service:
https://www.weather.gov/wrn/wea

CA Governor’s Office of Emergency Services:
https://www.news.caloes.ca.gov/be-prepared-sign-up-for-emergency-alerts/

Flood Readiness:
https://www.listoscalifornia.org/disaster-readiness/floods/

Storm Readiness:
https://www.listoscalifornia.org/disaster-readiness/severe-storms/