To the members of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Date ~&.cA v' CC ✓
CM ~ACM L DCM (3) ~
September 17, 2026
Council Memorandum
To:
From:
Honorable Mayor Blackburn and Members of the City Council Paz Gomez, Deputy City Manager, Public Works
Sheila Cobian, Assistant City Manager ~ Via:
Re: El Nino Preparation (Districts -All)
{city of
Carlsbad
Memo ID# 2026046
This memorandum provides information on the city's efforts to prepare for the forecasted El Nino weather events in 2026-2027.
Background
On September 10, 2026, the National Weather Service issued another El Nino Advisory stating the current El Nino is strengthening with a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event in the Northern Hemisphere during fall and winter 2026-27, which is consistent with its earlier advisory that was issued on August 13, 2026.
El Nino conditions consist of above-normal sea-surface temperatures and a higher chance of above-normal precipitation. A "very strong" El Nino means a wetter-than-normal outlook is possible, but forecast confidence is limited. While there is inherent uncertainty in forecasts even during a "very strong" El Nino, such as in 2015-2016 when a significant El Nino was expected but the storm track missed California, city staff believe that preparation in advance of potential weather events is essential for the overall welfare of the city and its residents and businesses.
The potential estimated impacts of El Nino for the San Diego region, including Carlsbad, are:
• Heavier than usual rainfall
• Strong winds
• Flooding
• Coastal impacts, including larger and stronger surf, continued beach erosion and above normal sea-surface temperatures
• Mudslides, power outages, infrastructure impacts, downed trees, hazardous driving conditions or extreme heat
In a typical year, staff prepare for rainstorm events by ensuring their respective departments exercise the storm preparedness plans. This year, staff amplified their efforts earlier in the process to ensure the city is prepared for El Nino conditions.
Public Works Branch
Transportation Department
1635 Faraday Avenue I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 442-339-2730 t
Council Memo -El Nino Preparation (Districts -All)
September 17, 2026
Discussion
In response to this year's El Nino advisory, staff prepared for potential impacts as follows, listed by department:
Office of Emergency Management
• Ensured readiness of the Emergency Operations Center and associated capabilities • Coordinated with external partner agencies, such as the National Weather Service San Diego, San Diego County Office of Emergency Services, San Diego County Flood Control District, California Office of Emergency Services, and San Diego Gas & Electric • Enhanced public outreach such as updates to the city's website, social media channels and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
• Identified emergency shelter locations throughout the city that may be activated if necessary
• Reviewed and maintained established emergency action and operations plans • Scheduled an El Nino briefing to the City Manager and the Carlsbad Leadership Team for September 30, 2026
Fire Department
• Stationed emergency services, such as fire engines and ambulances, at seven locations throughout the city
• Ensured readiness of qualified water rescue personnel including firefighters and lifeguards • Engaged with and maintained access to regional and statewide Swiftwater, Flood and Urban Search and Rescue response teams
• Participated in joint swiftwater rescue training with other fire departments and lifeguard agencies
• Participated in the North Zone Swiftwater Committee charged with ensuring all agencies operate off the same guidelines as well as worked on coordinating multi-agency swiftwater rescue teams to be placed on standby during periods of expected heavy rainfall • Prepared for potential Urban Search and Rescue responses to any incident that arises from heavy rainfall, flooding or mud, and debris flows
• Prepared three fire stations to serve as points of distribution for sandbags • Reviewed Landslide Operations Guide and Montecito mud and debris flow response as part of a training exercise
• Maintained multiple emergency public information and warning systems to include Genesys ALERT, Genasys Protect, Wireless Emergency Alerts, High-low Sirens Carlsbad Municipal Water District/Utilities Department
• Checked all wastewater and water pumps to verify they are ready for operations ■ Replaced batteries in backup generators at the Maerkle site and lift stations • Inspected and repaired roofs as needed at all lift stations and water sites ■ Trimmed trees at reservoir sites
Council Memo -El Nino Preparation (Districts -All)
September 17, 2026
Parks & Recreation Department
• Conducted programmed block and supplemental tree pruning to minimize tree limb or trunk failures within city parks, beach accesses, preserves, urban forests, medians, and facilities landscapes during storm events
• Cleared storm drainage devices throughout city parks, beach accesses, preserves, urban forests, medians and facilities landscapes
• Purchased and installed additional stormwater best management practice (BMP) devices, such as straw wattles, sandbags and silt fencing, to reduce erosion at applicable sites within city parks, beach accesses, preserves, urban forests, medians and facilities landscapes
• Assessed all city parks, beach accesses, preserves, urban forests, medians and facilities landscapes for any new stormwater threats or issues that may require responsive action • Staged stormwater BMP devices and mechanical equipment at strategic locations for expeditious response to localized erosion issues within city parks, beach accesses, preserves, urban forests, medians and facilities landscapes Transportation Department
• Addressed the immediate emergency conditions resulting from the bluff erosion north of the Encinas Creek Bridge on the west side of Carlsbad Boulevard, including initiating an emergency contract to install boulders (revetment) in response to the City Manager's Declaration of Local Emergency on September 9, 2026
• Ordered additional sandbags for distribution at the Oak Avenue Public Works yard and three fire stations for residents
• Conducted closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspections of all storm drain infrastructure along the coastal bluffs
• Inspected and cleaned high-priority storm drains and drainage channels • Repaired infrastructure as necessary, such as storm drain infrastructure in the coastal bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive (emergency repair in January 2026) • Actively monitored potential coastal erosion impacts due to high tide or large waves • Prepared the storm patrol to ensure staff are ready when needed for response actions, including debris removal, flooding response and roadway traffic control • Conducted additional street sweeping, patched problem areas on roads, stabilized dirt roads, and implemented erosion control measures
• Inspected the city's flood response equipment and upgraded as necessary • Cleared trash, debris and sediment from drainage systems • Conducted drainage channel maintenance clearings
• Removed vegetation, trash and debris from portions of Agua Hedionda Creek and Buena Vista Creek
• Reviewed the traffic signal network to ensure staff could respond to urgent conditions if needed to minimize traffic delay
Council Memo -El Nino Preparation (Districts -All)
September 17, 2026
Facilities Maintenance Division
• Conducted roof inspections on city facilities to water test drains, remove debris, and identify facilities that may need more significant repairs • Inspected all city facilities with an emphasis on identifying potential areas of flooding, trees with damaged limbs or other potential hazards
• Ensured parking lot storm drains have been recently maintained Construction Management and Inspection Department
• Conducted stormwater BMP staff training with a focus on El Nino preparation • Sent rain alerts to city staff and contractors
Next Steps
Staff will continue to prepare for El Nino and take appropriate actions as needed. cc: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager
Cindie McMahon, City Attorney
Zach Korach, Deputy City Manager, Administrative Services Jeff Murphy, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
Christie Calderwood, Police Chief
Michael Calderwood, Fire Chief
Tim Lyons, Assistant City Attorney
Amanda Flesse, Utilities Director
Tom Frank, Transportation Director/City Engineer
Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director
Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director
Mike Strong, Community Development Director
Amy Ventetuolo, Communication & Engagement Director
Kim Young, Assistant Director of Emergency Services
John Maashoff, Public Works Manager
John Kim, City Traffic Engineer