Storms this Week; Flooding Possible

A moderate storm expected to impact SoCal, Wednesday thru Thursday. Rainfall totals will range from 0.5 to 1.5 inches except 1.5 to 3 inches across south facing mountains/foothills. Possible minor flooding, debris flows near recent burn scars. Peak timing for most will fall into the late Wednesday thru through late Thursday AM. Isolated, scattered thunderstorms are possible bringing potential hazards such as heavy downpours, gusty winds, even isolated waterspouts.

1.5 inches of rain is now expected throughout the City, with a flood watch specifically for the far west side of the City, including the Palisades.

As of ~2 PM, October 21, NWS-Los Angeles holds these near-term projections, as they apply to LA City areas:

"Widespread rain will develop later today and continue into Thursday with a chance of thunderstorms. Conditions may vary significantly from one neighborhood to another. Stay aware of weather updates and be prepared to adjust plans if conditions worsen. A weak Santa Ana will develop in the storm`s wake by the weekend for dry and warmer conditions."

More details at National Weather Service-LA/Oxnard

CITY OF LOS ANGELES / Emergency Management / EL NIÑO & Wet Weather Preparedness / Helping Angelenos Prepare, Connect, and Respond / Wednesday, October 21 / 6 PM - 7 PM / Join the WEBINAR to learn more. / Register for this week's webinar at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6HGQd26vRz6jtuXyYGEe9w#/registration

The City's Emergency Management Department (EMD) is hosting a series of online EL NIÑO webinars and in-person townhall meetings during evening hours in October and November 2026.

Sign up NOW for the next Zoom session, Wednesday, October 21 at 6 PM.

(Scan the QR code or click on the image to register).

Download & share: English/Spanish: Zoom Webinar Flyer (PDF)

Check back for info on October 28 and November 4 sessions, or to attend townhalls around the City - now scheduled for November 5, 12 and 19 (locations TBA).

As rainstorms approach, find detailed local weather updates at:

National Weather Service-LA/Oxnard

Unable to attend the Wednesday El Niño webinars?

View the recording of a past session on Youtube.

Begin preparing NOW for the possibility of a strong El Niño 2026-27 season:

ElNino.LACity.gov

And hear an Overview of this Year's El Niño from Meteorologist Dr. Ariel Cohen, U.S. National Weather Service (audio)

National National Hurricane Center: NOAA

Pacific tropical storm & hurricane updates, which may affect rain or surf locally, at:

National National Hurricane Center: NOAA

The Port of Los Angeles offers wet-weather preparedness information for marine vessel operators and coastal communities, at:

POLA: Prepare for Unpredictable Storm Conditions

Flood Risk & Insurance

Drawing of a simply house structure with water rising from below. TEXT: Know Your Risk

The Los Angeles County Flood Zone Determination website allows you to see Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood zones in relation to your home, and whether your property is within an LA County Capital Flood floodplain.

There are many options for flood insurance. One avenue is through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) managed by FEMA. The NFIP provides flood insurance coverage for property owners, renters, and businesses through 47 providers, to assist with recovery.

Additional resources to prepare for flooding as as well as other disasters may be found at: Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH).

Pre-Storm Sandbagging

For residents living in areas prone to debris-flow and mudslides, find LA City fire station locations with sand/sandbags available at the LAFD sandbag page as well as information on proper sandbag placements.

City Firefighters Urge Storm Safety

For Angelenos living near recent fire burn-scar areas, the County of Los Angeles Postfire Resources site provides postfire hazard information, including engineering advice on debris flow risks, homeowner resources, and rebuilding guidance to help communities prepare for and recover from wildfire impacts.

And, find more information about preparing for mudslides and debris flow in the City's Flood and Debris Flow Guide.

(Image of a cellphone in front of a City skyline): Text = THE POWER OF CITY SERVICES IS IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND - mla311.lacity.org; Download the MyLA311 appy

Report Storm Impacts

Angelenos should contact 9-1-1 for possible life-threatening storm-related emergencies. Call 3-1-1 for other impacts, such as mudslides and street flooding or fallen trees.

SAVE TIME and access most LA City services online, OR download the cellphone app:

MyLA311

Flood After a Fire: Fact Sheet

Rain can present a threat to lives and property, particularly in recent burn areas. This fact sheet explains the increased risk of flood after fire and how owners can protect their investments.

FloodSmart.gov

Guide for Flood, Debris & Erosion Control

Download a guide for homeowners that provides information on protecting property from potentially expensive flooding and related damages.

DPW.LACounty.gov

LA City Storm Hazards

Storm hazards can develop quickly after even brief heavy rains. This can cause temporary overflows of water in normally dry areas and even lead to debris flow or landslides.

Common LA Storm Hazards

Proper Sandbagging Techniques

The City of Los Angeles is providing free sandbags that can be used to secure properties and mitigate risk of landslides. Watch a video tutorial on the proper use of sandbags.

Youtube.com/CalWater

Download "Flood After Fire" Flyer

Infographic with 'Flood After Fire' in yellow text, showing the negative effects of rainfall after an intense wildfire.