Palo Alto is stepping up preparations for a potentially severe El Niño winter, with city officials focusing on flood control, sandbag supplies and public warnings ahead of the storm season.
The city held a storm preparedness open house at Fire Station 3 on Thursday, October 29, where residents were given advice on protecting their homes and responding to flooding, power cuts and other hazards.
Sandbag stations have been established at Rinconada Tennis Courts, Mitchell Park and the Palo Alto Airport Terminal. Residents have also been urged to clear debris from nearby storm drains and monitor local weather forecasts and creek levels.
The San Francisquito Creek is the city’s main flood risk. Palo Alto’s official guidance says its current capacity before flooding occurs is about 5,500 cubic feet per second, with warnings and evacuation messages issued if water levels rise towards dangerous thresholds.
City staff are preparing equipment close to areas where it may be needed and coordinating with neighbouring agencies. Residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to move vehicles to safer locations and make plans for pets, medication and essential documents.
Officials are also encouraging people to sign up for emergency alerts, including AlertSCC and Palo Alto Police notifications, and to check whether their homes are located in a flood-risk area.
The preparations come as California authorities respond to forecasts of a potentially powerful 2026-27 El Niño, which could bring heavier rainfall, coastal flooding and stronger storms to parts of the state. Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered state agencies to pre-position flood-fighting supplies and inspect water infrastructure ahead of winter.
Residents have been reminded never to drive through floodwater and to follow evacuation instructions if conditions deteriorate. The city says updates will be issued through its website, social media channels and emergency notification systems.
