Home / Environment / El Niño Threatens Holidays: Homes Brace for Floods
El Niño Threatens Holidays: Homes Brace for Floods
6 Nov
Summary
- Residents face potential home flooding due to El Niño's high tides.
- Emergency services are increasing response teams and resources.
- City bulkheads are being raised to four sandbag rows high.
Huntington Beach residents attended a meeting to learn how to prepare their homes for upcoming El Niño-driven high tides, which are expected to cause significant damage during the holiday season. One resident described severe flooding during a previous high tide event at the end of October, resulting in mold growth and the need for extensive home repairs.
In response, the Huntington Beach Fire Department is increasing the number of swift water rescue technicians and seeking assistance from neighboring counties. Public Works is raising city-owned bulkheads by two additional sandbag rows, reaching approximately 10 feet above sea level. A flood map was created by the fire department to identify the most vulnerable low-lying areas, with red zones identified as the worst affected.
Officials stressed that sandbags alone are insufficient protection against future flooding. Recommended multilayered defenses include reinforced barriers, waterproof tape on garage openings, and attention to low-lying areas, with coordination among neighboring properties also advised.
