CULVER CITY, CA — Clearing storm drains, stocking sandbags and coordinating emergency response plans top the list of tasks ahead of a winter that city officials say could bring heavy rain and powerful storms associated with El Niño, officials said Thursday.
The city urged residents and businesses to prepare for potential flooding, mudslides, power outages and fallen trees.
El Niño is a natural climate pattern marked by warmer-than-normal ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific. According to the city, forecasters expect a very strong El Niño this winter, increasing the likelihood of wetter-than-average conditions in Southern California.
Forecasts describe probabilities, city officials noted, and do not guarantee severe storms. However, a single heavy storm can cause significant damage.
Public Works crews are inspecting and clearing storm drains and catch basins, checking pumps and drainage systems, monitoring areas with a history of flooding and staging equipment for storm response.
The Fire Department and emergency management staff are coordinating citywide planning, maintaining sandbag supplies at Fire Station 1, 9600 Culver Blvd., and preparing the Emergency Operations Center. The agenicies also are working with neighboring cities and Los Angeles County through the Area A mutual aid network, officials said.
Police are preparing to support road closures, traffic control and evacuations if needed.
The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is reviewing shelter plans and supplies. Any shelter openings will be announced through CulverAlerts and the city's storm preparedness website.
More information on how residents and businesses should prepare for storms is on a city webpage.
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