El Niño Preparedness
What is El Niño?
El Niño is a warming of the Pacific Ocean that occurs along the equator between South America and
the Date Line, and can influence the storm track over the West. El Niño conditions do not cause
individual storms, but rather influence their frequency and characteristics.
Typical El Niño jet stream patterns lead to wetter-than-normal conditions over the southern United
States and warmer temperatures over the north.
Winter Precipitation Outlook
The official National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) outlooks for December/
January/February temperature and precipitation for the West reflect the development of a strong El
Niño during this period. There is a 50 percent chance that winter precipitation totals will be in the top
33 percent of historic values across Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico. This El Niño
event is forecast to rival previous strong El Niño events, such as 1982-83 and 1997-98. No two years
are identical even when a strong El Niño is present and these outlooks may change as we continue to
track the progress of El Niño.
Comparison of sea surface temperatures between November 1997 and July 2015 (NOAA)
Winter Temperature Outlook
Temperatures in Montclair are expected to be near normal during the winter months (December,
January, and February).
The Time to Prepare is NOW
El Niño storms are expected to be powerful this winter. Montclair residents must be prepared as
storms can cause a variety of safety issues and damage. The more prepared you are before El Niño
arrives the better you and your home can withstand this winter’s storms. Getting ready is simple.
Below are some recommended steps to prepare you and your home for El Niño:
Clean Rain Gutters and Drains
Clear rain gutters of leaves and other debris.
Remove debris from area drains and clear lines.
Check Balconies and Deck Slopes
Make sure water flows away from the walls.
Get Your Roof Ready
Inspect your roof for damage.
Look for cracks and make sure that you do not have any missing, loose, or curled shingles.
Tackle Doors and Windows
Make sure that all doors and windows close and seal properly.
Prepare for Power Outages
Heavy downpours sometimes cause temporary power outages. Have a flashlight and
emergency supplies ready.
Trim Trees
Make sure tree branches are trimmed away from your home and where you park your
vehicles.
Inspect Your Yard
Determine trouble spots. Water will collect in low spots. Keep water away from your home’s
foundation by using sandbags to redirect water.
Stay Away from Flood Channels
Flood channels are designed to be efficient and get water out of the area as fast as possible to
prevent flooding, but these same channels can be a very dangerous place during storm
conditions. Water moves extremely fast through these channel and consequently, so does
anything or anyone that falls into it.
Be Prepared for Water In Roadways
Californians love their cars, and it seems as if we are always on the go. We are all at risk of
flooding during storms as we drive to work, drop our children off at school, shop, and visit our
neighbors across the state. When you approach water in the road, no matter how shallow it
appears, be prepared to turn around and find another route to your destination. For more
information about "Turn around don't drown"™ visit the National Weather Service’s website at
http://tadd.weather.gov/.
Be Aware: Know Your Risk
To find out if areas you frequent are in flood zones, visit the California Governor’s Office of
Emergency Services’ "My Hazards" website at http://myhazards.caloes.ca.gov. Simply type in
your home, work, or school address to learn which natural hazards affect those areas.
Monitor the News
Monitor TV and radio news for information about weather conditions in your area.
Talk with Landlord or Management Company
If you do not own the property where you live, be sure to check with your landlord or
management company to see what efforts they are taking to prepare for the rain.
Don’t Go It Alone
If you do not have the knowledge, tools, or ability to accomplish all these preparedness tasks
on your own, consider building a support network to help you tackle these tasks!
Sandbags for Montclair Residents
The City of Montclair has a limited supply of free sandbags available to its residents to assist in
protecting their properties from storm-water run-off and possible flooding.
Sandbags are available at:
Montclair City Yard
6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
10835 Monte Vista Avenue
Montclair, CA 91763
(909) 625-9465
Sandbag Guidelines:
1. Must be a Montclair resident (proof a residency required).
2. Limit of 10 sandbags per address.
If you need sandbags after hours or on the weekend, please visit Fire Station No. 152 at
10825 Monte Vista Avenue, Montclair, CA 91763.
Additional Resources
San Bernardino County El Niño Resource Page - http://www.sbcounty.gov/main/elnino.asp
National Weather Service El Niño Info Page - http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sgx/hydro/elnino.php?wfo=sgx
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration El Niño Portal – http://www.elnino.noaa.gov/
California Department of Water Resources – www.floodprepareCA.com
FEMA’s READY Website - http://www.ready.gov/
National Flood Insurance Program – www.floodsmart.gov