Summer may be over, but California homeowners still have time to get their properties ready for a potentially wet fall and winter. With forecasts pointing to a very strong El Niño, checking gutters, drainage, and other trouble spots now could help prevent damage when heavy rain arrives.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, NOAA’s August 2026 forecast gave El Niño more than a 90% chance of reaching very strong intensity during fall and winter, while Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to help California prepare for possible flooding, mudslides, and other storm hazards.
El Niño can raise the odds of heavy rain in parts of California, but conditions will vary by region, and the forecast doesn’t guarantee what any one neighborhood will experience. A few simple checks around your home can help you catch problems before the next major storm.
Clear Your Gutters and Downspouts
Leaves, twigs, and dirt can block gutters and force rainwater to spill over the sides, where it may collect near your home’s foundation. Remove debris, check that downspouts are secure, and make sure they carry water away from the house rather than toward walls or walkways.
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Check Outdoor Drains Before They Clog
Look around your driveway, patio, and yard for drains covered by leaves, dirt, or other debris that could prevent water from flowing freely. Clear surface debris you can reach safely, and report blocked drains in shared areas to your property manager or local authorities.
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Look for Small Leaks Before They Become Bigger Problems
Check ceilings, walls, windows, and exterior doors for water stains, peeling paint, damaged seals, or other signs of moisture getting inside. Arrange repairs for suspected leaks before heavy rain arrives, and if you rent, take photos of existing damage and notify your landlord or property manager in writing.
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Move Valuables Off Garage and Basement Floors
Garages, basements, and ground-level storage areas can take on water during heavy rain, especially if they’ve flooded before. Move important documents, photographs, electronics, and other valuables onto sturdy shelves or into waterproof containers, and keep emergency supplies somewhere easy to reach.
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Secure Loose Items Outside
Patio furniture, empty planters, decorations, and other lightweight objects can blow around during strong winds and damage property. Bring smaller items inside when severe weather is forecast, secure larger objects, and have a qualified tree professional inspect damaged or hanging branches near your home.
Put Together a Basic Power-Outage Kit
Keep flashlights, spare batteries, a charged power bank, drinking water, essential medications, and other household necessities in one easy-to-find place. A battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio can provide updates during an outage, and operate any generator outdoors, well away from doors, windows, and vents, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Find Out Whether Your Home Is in a Flood-Prone Area
Check your local emergency-management website for flood maps, evacuation routes, and weather alerts, especially if you live near a creek, steep hillside, or area with a history of flooding. Review your homeowners or renters insurance policy, since standard policies typically exclude flood damage, and ask your insurer about separate flood coverage and any waiting period before a storm approaches.
Renters Can Prepare, Too
Check windows and doors for leaks, keep belongings away from areas that have flooded before, and report drainage problems or water damage to your landlord in writing. Find out how to contact property management after hours, review your renters insurance, and store important documents and valuables somewhere dry and easy to access.
Getting your home ready for heavy rain doesn’t have to mean taking on a major renovation project. Clearing drains, fixing small leaks, securing outdoor items, and gathering a few emergency supplies can help you feel better prepared for whatever the coming season brings.
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