El Niño Winter Forecast Prompts Preparedness Guidance From Malibu

MALIBU, CA — Forecasters expect El Niño conditions to persist through the winter, bringing the possibility of intense rainfall, heavy runoff, floods and landslides, which has prompted Malibu officials to offer guidance about how residents can prepare.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters expect a more than 95 percent chance that El Niño conditions will continue through the winter, with a 66-percent chance of a strong El Niño — which means a greater chance that the pattern's effects will occur.

Past strong El Niños coinciding with high tides have been particularly challenging for coastal areas; NOAA predicts approximately 44 days of high tides this winter.

Here are the city of Malibu's tips for how residents can prepare:

Inspect sloped areas for erosion, gullying, surface cracks and slumping and buildings, patios, retaining walls and garden walls for signs of cracking or rotation, which may indicate slope movement has occurred. If those signs are present, state-licensed geologists or geotechnical engineers can offer an inspection.

Cover or plant bare areas before storm season, as large bare areas can be sources for mudflows.

Inspect and remove debris from drains, culverts and gutters to ensure stormwater runoff is directed into appropriate drainage control areas.

Inspect seawalls, revetments, bulkheads and other structures for signs of distress, loss of material, obstructed drainage, or exposed reinforcing steel before storm season and after every rainstorm. Licensed engineers can offer maintenance suggestions for significant issues.

Hire a roofing contractor or inspect roofs yourself for loose tiles, holes or other signs of distress.

City geology staff are available to answer questions about slope stability, flooding, mudflows, or erosion Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon or by email at mbuilding@malibucity.org.

Sandbags, used to direct stormwater runoff, are available for free at Los Angeles County fire stations, including the following locations:

• 3970 Carbon Canyon Road (310-456-2513)
• 28722 W. Pacific Coast Highway (310-457-2578)
• 23720 W. Malibu Road (310-456-2812)
• 32550 Pacific Coast Highway (310-457-3706)

More information about El Niño preparedness is available on the city's website