By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–County Emergency Services has launched a new El Niño 2026 information hub on Alert San Diego, providing residents with a centralized resource to prepare for what experts say could be one of the strongest El Niño seasons on record.
County officials are urging residents to begin preparing now as forecasts point to heavier rainfall, more frequent storms, coastal erosion and an increased risk of flooding throughout the fall and winter months.
The online hub consolidates preparedness information, hazard guidance and County resources into a single, easy-to-use platform. Officials said the site is designed to help residents understand the potential impacts of El Niño in San Diego County, learn how local agencies are preparing and identify steps they can take to protect their homes and families.
Scientists have already detected early signs of El Niño developing in the Pacific Ocean, with sea surface temperatures continuing to trend above historical averages. To monitor conditions, the County Weather Center and the ALERT flood-warning network are tracking rainfall and stream levels in real time, helping emergency crews respond quickly to changing conditions and potential hazards.
The hub also provides access to practical preparedness tools, including emergency alert registration, sandbag distribution locations, National Weather Service forecasts, the Tell Us Now reporting app and neighborhood-level hazard mapping resources.
County departments have already begun seasonal preparations by clearing storm drains, reinforcing critical infrastructure and increasing emergency response staffing levels.
As the region prepares for the possibility of a powerful El Niño season, officials encourage residents to use the new information hub to stay informed, develop emergency plans and take proactive measures before severe weather arrives.
