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San Bernardino County Braces for El Niño Storms

San Bernardino County Braces for El Niño Storms

San Bernardino County is taking proactive measures to prepare for potential El Niño-related storms, which could bring heavy rain, flooding, and debris flows to the region. The county's Office of Emergency Services is collaborating with local departments, the National Weather Service, cities, and regional partners to monitor conditions and coordinate emergency responses. Public Works crews are inspecting and maintaining drainage systems, flood control channels, and roadways, with a focus on mountain communities and burn scar areas. Equipment is being staged across the county to ensure rapid response to flooding, rockfall, or debris flows. Additionally, a dedicated El Niño and Storm Preparedness webpage has been launched to provide residents with resources on flooding, sandbag availability, evacuation planning, and emergency alerts.

Occidental College Prepares for Historic El Niño, Anticipating Flooding and Power Outages

Occidental College Prepares for Historic El Niño, Anticipating Flooding and Power Outages

Occidental College in California is bracing for the impacts of what climate scientists predict could be the worst El Niño event in recorded history, expected to strengthen through early 2027. This naturally occurring climate pattern, characterized by massive storm clouds, is projected to bring heavy rain and severe storms to Southern California. Assistant Vice President of Facilities Management David Caldwell stated that rising global temperatures and warm Pacific waters are exacerbating this El Niño, leading to a higher likelihood of intense flooding and frequent power outages across the region. The college's Emergency Response Team (ERT) has established a website with resources and will issue notifications regarding class cancellations or campus disruptions. Facilities staff are actively surveying the campus, repairing drains, and gathering supplies like water pumps and cleanup equipment to mitigate potential damage and ensure a swift response to any incidents.

Santa Ana Winds Bring Fire Risk to Los Angeles County

Santa Ana Winds Bring Fire Risk to Los Angeles County

Santa Ana winds are expected to intensify across Southern California starting Friday, bringing warmer, drier conditions and elevated fire danger. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of Los Angeles County, including the Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Susana Mountains, and western San Gabriel Mountains. Winds are forecast to reach 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph in some areas. Relative humidity levels are expected to drop to between 8% and 20%, increasing the risk of fast-moving fires. Temperatures will rise to the upper 70s and 80s in coastal and valley areas, with conditions running 5-10 degrees above normal through the weekend. Offshore flow and high pressure will contribute to the warming trend, while a Beach Hazards Statement warns of dangerous rip currents and coastal flooding through Tuesday morning.

Santa Ana Winds Bring Heat and Fire Risk to Southern California

Santa Ana Winds Bring Heat and Fire Risk to Southern California

Southern California is experiencing a 'weak to moderate' Santa Ana wind event starting late Thursday and continuing through the weekend. Winds are expected to peak on Saturday, with gusts ranging from 30 to 45 mph, and isolated gusts in mountainous areas reaching up to 55 mph. Temperatures are forecast to rise significantly, with highs near 90°F (approximately 32°C) in coastal areas. Downtown Los Angeles is projected to reach 87°F (30.5°C) on Sunday, while Santa Monica will see slightly cooler temperatures at 84°F (28.9°C). The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, signalling critical fire danger due to warm, dry, and breezy conditions.

Super El Niño Expected to Bring Above-Average Rainfall to Southern California, Raising Flood and Erosion Concerns

Super El Niño Expected to Bring Above-Average Rainfall to Southern California, Raising Flood and Erosion Concerns

Southern California is preparing for a 'Super El Niño' event, which is forecasted to deliver above-average rainfall to the region. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), El Niño occurs every two to seven years when eastern tropical Pacific Ocean temperatures rise at least 0.5 degrees Celsius above average for several months, weakening trade winds and leading to a buildup of warm water. This year's El Niño is classified as 'Super' due to tropical Pacific waters rising several degrees above the normal El Niño range, compounded by a large marine heatwave that began in spring 2025. While a 'Super' classification doesn't guarantee 'super' rainfall, forecasts suggest conditions similar to the strong 1997-98 El Niño, which caused record rainfall, mudslides, and flooding in California. Dr. Clarissa Anderson, a researcher at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, noted that Kelvin waves, which push warm water towards the American coasts, began in early October, with peak El Niño ocea...

Santa Ana Winds Bring Fire Risk to Southern California

Santa Ana Winds Bring Fire Risk to Southern California

Thousands of homes and businesses in Los Angeles and Ventura counties are at risk of power shutoffs as weak to moderate Santa Ana winds create dangerous fire weather conditions. Southern California Edison is considering cutting power to 4,639 customers in Los Angeles County and 297 in Ventura County to prevent potential wildfires. The National Weather Service has issued red flag fire warnings for the region, including the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the San Gabriel and Santa Susana mountains. Winds are expected to reach speeds of up to 45 mph (72 km/h) through Saturday evening. California is currently in its most dangerous fire season, with hot, dry winds increasing the risk of wildfires.

Santa Ana Winds Bring Heat and Fire Risk to SoCal

Santa Ana Winds Bring Heat and Fire Risk to SoCal

Southern California is experiencing a weak to moderate Santa Ana wind event, which began late Thursday and is expected to persist through the weekend. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), winds will peak on Saturday with gusts ranging from 30 to 45 mph, and isolated gusts in mountainous areas of Ventura and Los Angeles counties could reach up to 55 mph. Temperatures are forecasted to rise significantly, with highs near 90°F (32°C) along the coast. Downtown Los Angeles is expected to reach 87°F (31°C) on Sunday, while Santa Monica will see slightly cooler temperatures at 84°F (29°C). Red flag warnings have been issued for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, signaling critical fire danger due to warm, dry, and breezy conditions.

California Governor Declares State of Emergency in Anticipation of Strong El Niño Season

California Governor Declares State of Emergency in Anticipation of Strong El Niño Season

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency as Southern Californians prepare for what is projected to be the strongest El Niño on record. This declaration comes in response to increased chances of a wetter-than-average winter, which could bring back-to-back storms, prolonged rain, flooding, coastal erosion, and debris flows. Southern California Edison (SCE) crews are monitoring conditions and are prepared to restore power in the event of storm-related outages. Residents are being urged to take proactive measures to protect their homes and ensure their households are ready for potential emergencies or power outages that may arise from the severe weather conditions.

National Weather Service Urges Iowa Residents to Prepare for El Niño Winter

National Weather Service Urges Iowa Residents to Prepare for El Niño Winter

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a call for Iowa residents to prepare for the upcoming El Niño winter season. On Winter Weather Preparedness Day, observed in Iowa, the NWS advised citizens to stock emergency supplies and ensure their vehicles are ready for winter conditions. This guidance emphasizes the potential for significant snowfall and extreme cold across the state. Residents are encouraged to assemble home emergency kits, including snow shovels and salt, and to have their vehicles checked for winter readiness. Drivers should also carry blankets, jumper cables, and portable phone chargers, and clear exhaust pipes of snow if running an engine for heat to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. The NWS, a federal agency under NOAA, is responsible for issuing weather forecasts, watches, and warnings for the United States.

Los Angeles County Issues Red Flag Warning Amid Warm, Windy Conditions

Los Angeles County Issues Red Flag Warning Amid Warm, Windy Conditions

Los Angeles County is under a red flag wildfire weather warning this weekend due to a combination of rising temperatures and developing Santa Ana winds. Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-80s, with many areas experiencing temperatures 5 to 10 degrees above normal on Saturday and Sunday. Northeast winds are forecast to reach 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph or higher, and relative humidity will drop to between 8% and 20%. These conditions create a dangerous environment for rapid wildfire growth. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) will implement red flag parking restrictions and increase staffing and pre-position ground and air resources to prepare for potential fires.

Maricopa County Under Flood Warning Due to Granite Reef Dam Releases

Maricopa County Under Flood Warning Due to Granite Reef Dam Releases

Maricopa County in south-central Arizona is currently under a flood warning due to ongoing upstream dam releases from Granite Reef Dam on the Salt River. The warning remains in effect until 11:45 AM MST on Thursday. The Maricopa County Flood Control District reported stream gage flows downstream of Granite Reef Dam exceeding 28,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) as of 8:23 PM MST. This has led to flooding along the Salt River, specifically between Granite Reef Dam and Tempe Town Lake. Low water crossings across the Salt River upstream of Tempe Town Lake, including McKellips Road, are also experiencing flooding. Residents are advised to exercise caution and avoid flooded areas. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for the public to 'turn around, don't drown' when encountering flooded roads, as most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Campers and hikers are also urged to avoid streams and creeks in the affected areas.

Boone County Emergency Management Issues Apology for Incorrect Siren Test Setting

Boone County Emergency Management Issues Apology for Incorrect Siren Test Setting

The Boone County Office of Emergency Management in Columbia, Missouri, has issued an apology following the activation of outdoor warning sirens with an incorrect setting during a scheduled monthly test on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The routine test resulted in a different siren sound than typically used, causing potential confusion among residents. Chris Kelley, Director of Boone County Emergency Management, acknowledged the concern created by the unexpected sound and stated that the office is reviewing its testing procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The office clarified that there was no active threat to the public during the test. Residents are reminded that outdoor warning sirens are primarily for alerting individuals outdoors to immediate threats, such as tornado warnings, and should not be the sole source of emergency information. The office encourages the use of multiple alert systems, including NOAA Weather Radio, Wireless Emergency Alerts, and local weather sources.