Emeryville Prepares for El Niño

Published on October 15, 2026

Governor Newsom declared a statewide emergency on September 21 in anticipation of strong fall and winter storms. In Emeryville, residents should prepare for potential flooding, fallen trees, and power outages.

The City is taking proactive steps to prepare for El Niño-related weather. Public Works is clearing storm drains and flood-prone areas, inspecting drainage systems with a CCTV vehicle, to address needed repairs if needed, and preparing equipment and supplies for potential emergencies. Staff are also checking City facilities, inspecting roofs, clearing gutters and downspouts, and meeting with an arborist to evaluate and address troubled trees. Residents are encouraged to prepare their homes and households as well.

Before the storm begins:

Check your property for clogged drains, gutters, and drainage pipes.
Check your roof downspouts to make sure that storm water is directed away from foundations.
Deploy sandbags to deflect runoff from areas of your property that have been prone to flooding. If possible, rainwater should be redirected to a watercourse or gully. If you need sand and sandbags to protect your property, the City maintains a self-service station at 5890 Christie Avenue near 59th Street
Help prevent storm drain blockages by clearing leaves and other debris from street gutters.
Check to see if storm drain inlets on the street and near your property are clear of leaves and debris.
Sign up to receive emergency alerts at https://www.alamedacountyca.gov/emergencysite/emergency-site.htm and https://www.everbridge.com/products/nixle/

Once the storm begins:

Monitor power outages via the PG&E outage center.
Check the news page https://www.emeryville.org/News on the City of Emeryville’s website for local updates.
Call 9-1-1 if you come across a downed tree or live wires; do not attempt to move any wires from the roadway or your property.
Remove accumulated leaves or debris from storm drains on your street if you can do so safely.
Report blocked storm drains to the Department of Public Works via online form SeeClickFix
If you must drive, do so with caution and watch for flooded areas.

Links and Tips to weather the storm.

National Weather Service Emeryville

PG&E https://www.pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/outage-preparedness-and-support.html

Ready.gov

Alameda County Road Closures

National Weather Service Flood Preparation: https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-before

Please remember, this is a great way to report non-emergency issues in our city https://www.emeryville.org/Government/Departments/Police/File-a-Police-Report.

For life threatening emergencies, always dial 911. For a non-emergency crime or possible criminal activity, call the Police Department at (510) 596-3700. For other urgent issues or if you or a loved one requires special assistance, please contact the City of Emeryville at (510) 596-4300.