El Niño and Flood Readiness
City of Salinas departmental preparations
City Council Briefing | September 2026
Why Salinas is preparing now
Current outlook and local exposure
>90%
NOAA chance of a very strong El Niño during fall and winter 2026–27 15,415
residents in the 1% annual chance floodplain
1995
11,000 residents displaced in Monterey County storms
2 Past floods provide local evidence
1995, 1997, and 1998
1995
About 11,000 residents displaced; approximately $230 million in losses. 1997
Carr Lake and local creeks flooded; Kern Street remained flooded for 11 days. 1998
About 29,000 acres damaged; approximately $45 million in losses. 3 The 2022–23 storms renewed the warning
Recent Monterey County impacts
HIGHWAY 101 FLOODING
SALINAS RIVER FLOODING
Six storm systems brought widespread flooding, river flooding, damaging winds, high surf, and landslides from December 26, 2022 through January 17, 2023. 4 Flood risk follows known Salinas corridors
Carr Lake, creeks, and drainage constraints
15,415
people in the 1% annual chance floodplain
$723M
property exposed
21 mi
of roadway in the floodplain
5 NOAA expects a very strong El Niño
Seasonal outlook, not a storm forecast
>90%
chance of a very strong event during fall and winter 2026–27 69%
chance of historic strength during October–December 2026 (Local expected peak January/February)
El Niño changes the odds. It does not guarantee flooding in Salinas. 6 Satellite observations show a developing Pacific signal Sea surface height anomaly
1997 AND 2015
JUNE 1, 2026
The 2026 observation shows elevated sea surface height extending toward South America. Compare the spatial pattern, not color intensity: the graphics use different scales and processing. 7 The 2015–16 preparations established a useful model
Earlier City readiness work
Storm drains, pumps, channels, and equipment checked before the rainy season Fire, Police, and Public Works trained for moving-water and flood operations EOC coordination connected to County OES and warning systems English and Spanish preparedness messages shared before impacts 8 Four City priorities before the storms
Common outcomes across departments
01 Drainage and infrastructure
Inspect priority systems and confirm pumps, generators, barricades, fuel, and backup power. 02 Roads, evacuation, and shelter
Preplan closures, detours, rescue access, transportation assistance, shelter, and reentry. 03 EOC and staffing
Set readiness triggers and confirm assignments, duty coverage, mutual aid, and purchasing authority. Consider preemptive Emergency Declaration 04 Public information
Prepare English and Spanish messages and coordinate distribution through trusted partners. 9 Readiness escalates with forecast confidence
Seasonal work remains separate from incident activation
SEASONAL
Now through first major storm
Complete maintenance, contracts, staffing plans, public education, shelter coordination, and an EOC exercise.
ELEVATED
Credible 5–7 day signal
Begin daily coordination, stage equipment, verify patrols, brief Council, and start public updates.
RESPONSE
Watch, warning, or local threshold
Activate the appropriate EOC level, deploy resources, close unsafe roads, open shelter support, and issue protective actions.
RECOVERY
Hazards stabilize
Inspect damage, support displaced residents, document costs, and communicate restoration priorities. 10 Fire Department preparations
Emergency coordination and rescue capability
Review EOC activation procedures and Fire Department staffing assignments Confirm swiftwater rescue, high-water vehicle, HazMat, and mutual-aid readiness Map flood-prone access routes for stations and emergency response Check generators, fuel, communications, and continuity needs at fire facilities Coordinate an El Niño readiness exercise with City departments 11 Police Department preparations
Evacuation, traffic control, and field coordination
Review evacuation zones, traffic-control points, and alternate routes Plan staffing for road closures, evacuations, and extended incidents Coordinate access control for flooded or evacuated neighborhoods Confirm interoperable communications and unified-command procedures Prepare welfare-check and missing-person procedures for severe weather 12 Public Works preparations
Drainage, road safety, and critical infrastructure
Inspect and clear priority storm drains, creeks, ditches, and culverts Test pumps, generators, barricades, signs, vehicles, and field equipment Map repeat-flooding locations and preplan closures and detours Stage sandbags and sand for public use; the PIO will announce locations Coordinate contractors, materials, fuel, and emergency purchasing Establish field reporting for drainage conditions, damage, and restoration 13 Administration preparations
Citywide direction, policy coordination, and continuity Confirm emergency authorities, succession, and continuity of government Set expectations for readiness reporting and EOC participation Review emergency procurement, contracting, mutual aid, and fiscal authorities Coordinate policy briefings for the Mayor, Council, and regional partners Track unresolved resource needs and decisions requiring executive action 14 Finance and Information Systems preparations
Provide fiscal oversight and documentation of emergency related expenses, support emergency procurements and assure computer network and application integrity. Support EOC and communications.
Assure fiscal policies and processes are consistent with County, State, and Federal requirements for disaster reimbursements Ensure essential procurement services remain available: payment systems, emergency payroll, securing back-up financial systems Evaluate current information systems vulnerabilities and mitigate risks to communications infrastructure Facilitate continuity of government information systems and workforce mobility Coordinate and provide technical support to the City EOC and departments for continuity of operations 14 Maintain detailed records, segregate emergency funds from regular budgets, coordinate with emergency management to align spending with operational priorities
Community Development preparations
Support unsheltered population and residents displaced by emergency incidents. Support damage assessment and inspections where needed.
Review current social support programs and capabilities in preparation to support displaced residents Provide damage assessment/recovery support in building inspections and permitting assistance Review emergency procurement, contracting, and fiscal authorities Review disaster assistance resources and prepare to administer assistance programs for residents and businesses Assist public safety departments in outreach and communication with the unsheltered in evacuation areas Provide representation in the City/County EOC where needed 14 Library and Community Services preparations
Shelter support and resident assistance
Review potential shelter, warming-center, and community-support locations and prepare appropriation requests as needed Assess parks, playgrounds, and recreation facilities for any weather related vulnerabilities or hazards to the public Confirm staffing, accessibility, supplies, security, and facility procedures Coordinate assistance for residents who may need transportation or support Prepare libraries and community centers to share verified City information Identify nonprofit and community partners that can support displaced residents 15 Salinas Municipal Airport preparations
Airport continuity, drainage, and aviation safety
Inspect airfield drainage, low areas, pumps, generators, and backup systems Review runway, taxiway, lighting, and navigation-system inspection procedures Coordinate severe-weather notifications with tenants, operators, and responders Plan for access restrictions, debris, standing water, and facility damage Confirm continuity procedures and emergency aviation support for regional impacts 16 Human Resources preparations
Workforce continuity and employee safety
Confirm employee notification, emergency-contact, and accountability procedures Review essential staffing, alternate assignments, overtime, and recall processes Prepare guidance for remote work, closures, leave, and payroll continuity Coordinate employee safety information and post-incident support resources Maintain current rosters for EOC staffing and department succession 17 Public Information Officer preparations
One verified message through trusted channels
Communicate preparedness messages over the next several months so residents can prepare homes and families Prepare English and Spanish templates for storms, flooding, closures, evacuation, and shelter Confirm message-approval authority and Joint Information System procedures Coordinate alerts, web updates, social media, news media, and community partners Plan backup communication methods for power, cellular, or internet disruption Monitor questions and misinformation and publish scheduled updates 18 Residents need practical flood safety information
Evacuation, alerts, and moving water
6 in
of moving water can knock a person down
2 ft
of moving water can sweep away a vehicle
PUBLIC ACTIONS
Follow evacuation and road-closure instructions
Never enter flooded roads or moving water
Register for alerts and verify City information
19 What residents can do now
Before the first major storm
PROTECT THE HOME
Clean gutters and downspouts; direct runoff away from the home Repair roof leaks and inspect windows, doors, and exterior drainage Clear private drains, swales, ditches, and culverts; test sump pumps Trim hazardous limbs and secure furniture, tools, and loose materials Plan sandbags or barriers; photograph property and review insurance
PREPARE THE HOUSEHOLD
Prepare a go bag with identification, clothing, chargers, cash, and supplies Keep medications, medical equipment, pet supplies, and documents ready Store water, food, flashlights, batteries, a radio, and power banks Make a family communication plan; identify routes and meeting places Register for alerts; fuel or charge vehicles and check on vulnerable neighbors Use generators outdoors and away from doors and windows. Never use outdoor cooking equipment indoors. 20 Public information must reach Salinas
Trusted channels and consistent updates
MESSAGE CONTROL
One approval process, verified facts, and a published update schedule
LANGUAGE AND ACCESS
English and Spanish together when possible, plus accessible formats
CHANNELS
Alerts, City websites, social media, news media, schools, employers, libraries, and community organizations BACKUP
Field teams and partner networks when power, cellular service, or internet access fails
FEEDBACK
Track questions, misinformation, delivery results, and unmet needs 21 Recommended Council actions
Complete readiness work before the first major storm
01 Support Citywide preparedness and regional readiness efforts and approve a proclamation establishing the threatened existence of a local emergency. (Salinas Municipal Code Section 11A-6.A(1)) 02 Maintain contingency and emergency funding for advance preparations and infrastructure repairs and consider a preemptive Emergency Declaration 03 Direct staff to complete an interdepartmental flood and EOC exercise. Council to participate EOC training. 04 Receive a final readiness report identifying completed work and unresolved resource needs Local history provides the warning. The current forecast provides the lead time. 22 Local Proclamation
Authority: Enables local government to forego certain regulations, expedite procurement, commandeer resources, activate Disaster Service Workers, and coordinate emergency services.
Proclamation Process: Issued by the City Manager or County Administrative Officer within 10 days of the incident start. May be issued preemptively pursuant to Municipal Codes.
Ratification: The local governing body must review and ratify the proclamation within 7 Days.
Duration and Renewal: Initial proclamation is time-limited; extensions require review and re-approval every 60 days.
Benefits: Supports rapid response, first step to access local, state, and federal emergency funding, and enhanced interagency coordination.
Local emergency proclamations provide legal authority to mobilize resources, streamline decision-making, and access state and federal assistance during crises. 10 Days
Proclamation
7 Days
Ratification
60 Days
Renewal
Questions & Discussion
City of Salinas El Niño and Flood Readiness
Thank you
23