Home / Disasters and Accidents / El Niño Threatens California: Get Flood Insurance Now!
El Niño Threatens California: Get Flood Insurance Now!
6 Sep
Summary
- El Niño storms are predicted to bring heavier rains to California this winter.
- Only 2% of Californians currently have flood insurance coverage.
- Flood insurance covers water damage originating from the ground up.
As El Niño intensifies, California faces an increased risk of severe winter storms and heavy rainfall. Experts are advising residents to secure flood insurance promptly, noting that policies often have mandatory waiting periods and may become unavailable as storms approach. Currently, a mere 2% of Californians hold flood insurance, a figure lower than those with earthquake coverage.
Standard homeowner's insurance provides coverage for storm-related damage resulting from wind, but it typically does not cover water intrusion from ground sources. This includes damage from overflowing rivers, creeks, or unusually strong ocean waves. Flood insurance, available through private insurers or the National Flood Insurance Program, is essential for these scenarios.
The National Flood Insurance Program reports that approximately a quarter of its claims originate from areas not officially designated as special flood hazard zones, highlighting that flooding can occur even in lower-risk locations. El Niño's warming equatorial Pacific seas are anticipated to drive more moisture-laden winds toward California, increasing the likelihood of widespread flooding.
