Los Angeles County emergency managers presented their winter preparedness plans to the Board of Supervisors this week, focusing on the anticipated effects of a strong El Niño pattern.
Forecasters have indicated that the climate phenomenon has already developed in the Pacific and carries a 90 percent likelihood of becoming intense in the region, raising concerns about flooding and debris flows.
The county Office of Emergency Management will run a joint response drill on September 13 involving multiple departments and local disaster coordinators to test procedures and spot weaknesses, according to LAist.
Kevin McGowan, director of the office, noted that the exercise will help pinpoint areas needing further attention before the storm season begins.
Public Works crews are inspecting and clearing storm drains along with debris basins, with full readiness targeted for October 15. Director Mark Pestrella highlighted ongoing monitoring of burn areas from the Eaton and Palisades fires and advised residents near scarred slopes to reach out for assessments.
Officials are also recommending that property owners and renters obtain flood insurance, repair roofs, and maintain drainage systems, while separate efforts target coastal erosion risks along Pacific Coast Highway and shelter planning for unhoused people in low-lying zones.
Although exact timing and locations of rainfall remain unpredictable, managers stated they are proceeding under a worst-case assumption regardless of how the season develops.
This report is based on coverage by LAist: https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/la-county-emergency-managers-rush-to-prepare-for-el-nino