Preparing for El Niño

PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR El Niño THIS WINTER

El Niño can bring wetter and more intense winter weather to California, including periods of heavy rain, strong winds and flooding. With the 2026–27 El Niño season expected to bring an increased risk of severe weather, now is a good time for Pinole residents to prepare.

Start by clearing leaves and debris from gutters and other drainage areas around your property, and check for places where rainwater could collect. Secure outdoor items that could be blown or washed away. Residents should also prepare an emergency kit with food, water, medications and other essentials, and know where they would go and how they would get there if an evacuation becomes necessary.

It is important to know your home’s flood risk and have insurance coverage. Go to Floodsmart.gov to learn more, or check with your homeowner insurance policy to find out if you’re covered.

Staying informed is another important part of storm preparedness. Make sure you use trusted sources of information, such as the National Weather Service (NWS) or the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Pinole residents can sign up for Contra Costa County’s Community Warning System at CWSalerts.com to receive emergency alerts and follow the City of Pinole on social media and subscribe to The Pulse for City updates and information during severe weather.

Residents can also monitor local rainfall and flood conditions through Contra Costa County’s flood resources. If your property is at risk of flooding, the City of Pinole offers sandbags on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last, at the Plum & Peach Streets Public Parking Lot off Tennent Avenue. For additional safety information, never drive through floodwater and always follow instructions from local emergency officials.

WHAT THE CITY OF PINOLE IS DOING

• Clearing storm drains to improve water flow.
• Inspecting and reinforcing flood-prone areas to reduce risk.
• Coordinating with emergency services to ensure rapid response if needed.
• Stockpiling sand and sandbags at designated distribution points for residents (NOTE: sand will be provided in the public lot on Plum Street only when weather conditions indicate a risk of flooding).

Sandbags

If your property is at risk of flooding, the City of Pinole offers sandbags on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last, at the Plum & Peach Streets Public Parking Lot off Tennent Avenue. The City will stage sand and sandbags in the public lot at the end of Plum Street, consistent with past practice. Sand is provided when weather conditions indicate a risk of flooding. Specifically, when forecasts predict more than 0.5 inches of rain over two to three consecutive storm events—creating a saturation event—the City will make sand and sandbags available at the Plum Street location. They will also be stocked when a King Tide is expected to coincide with storm activity.

REPORT A PROBLEM

If you see a storm drain that is blocked with leaves or other debris, or other storm-related issues, please submit a service request on our Report a Problem webpage or call (510) 724-9010.

For more information about stormwater and drainage in Pinole, visit: Stormwater & Drainage