El Niño Preparedness in Santa Cruz County: 8 Steps to Get Ready for Winter Storms

Heavy rain, flooding, power outages, and road closures can disrupt daily life across Santa Cruz County. Preparing before storms arrive gives you time to protect your property, gather supplies, and decide what your household will do if conditions become unsafe.

As of October 5, 2026, NOAA’s latest published ENSO discussion indicates that El Niño is expected to strengthen through the end of the year. That does not guarantee a particular rainfall outcome locally. Santa Cruz County encourages residents to prepare for winter weather and follow forecasts as conditions develop.

1. Understand the risks where you live

Your preparation should reflect your location. Homes near creeks, on hillsides, along the coast, or reached by rural roads can face different storm challenges.

Think back to previous storms:

• Where did water collect?

• Did your home, garage, or driveway flood?

• Were nearby roads blocked?

• Did you experience leaks, erosion, or prolonged power outages?

The Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County offers storm-readiness resources and a no-cost winter property evaluation to help identify drainage and erosion concerns.

2. Prepare your home and outdoor areas

Address maintenance before heavy rain makes the work more difficult.

Start with this checklist:

• Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.

• Check roofs for leaks and damaged flashing.

• Clear accessible drainage openings on your property.

• Make sure water can drain away from buildings.

• Secure outdoor furniture, bins, and loose items.

• Keep entrances and walkways clear.

Santa Cruz County recommends these measures to reduce storm-related property problems. Arrange qualified help for work involving roofs, ladders, unstable slopes, or complicated drainage issues.

Renters: Report leaks, blocked drainage, and other maintenance concerns to your landlord or property manager early.

3. Check sandbag resources before a storm

Sandbags may help reduce some water intrusion, but they do not make a building floodproof or replace evacuation.

Use the county’s El Niño preparedness page to find sand and sandbag resources. Confirm availability, pickup instructions, and whether you need to bring bags or a shovel before traveling.

Place barriers carefully so entrances and evacuation routes remain usable.

4. Gather supplies for power outages

Keep essential supplies together in an accessible location:

• Drinking water and food that does not require cooking.

• Flashlights and extra batteries.

• Charged phones and portable charging banks.

• First-aid supplies and necessary medications.

• Warm clothing and blankets.

• Supplies for children, pets, and other household needs.

If someone uses powered medical equipment or refrigerated medication, make an outage plan with their equipment supplier, pharmacist, or healthcare team. Identify a backup location where their needs can be met.

The county recommends preparing supplies and planning for medications and other essential needs before an emergency.

5. Sign up for alerts and make an evacuation plan

Register for CruzAware to receive emergency alerts by text, phone, or email. Find your evacuation zone through the county’s preparedness resources and learn more than one route out of your neighborhood.

Decide ahead of time:

• Where will you go?

• How will everyone get there?

• Who will help anyone needing transportation or assistance?

• How will you communicate if separated?

• What will you do if your usual route is closed?

Pack a go-bag with identification, medications, essential documents, clothing, chargers, and necessary medical supplies.

People who need extra time or assistance should plan to leave early. County guidance recommends that residents with access or functional needs evacuate when a warning is issued rather than waiting for an order.

6. Include pets in your preparations

Plan where your animals can stay and how you will transport them. Keep food, medications, carriers, leashes, and other supplies ready.

If you have horses or other large animals, arrange transportation and a destination well before severe weather. Santa Cruz County advises evacuating large animals early when conditions allow and taking pets with you whenever possible.

7. Review insurance and protect important records

Most homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Ask your insurance provider what your policy covers and whether separate flood insurance is appropriate.

National Flood Insurance Program policies typically have a 30-day waiting period, although exceptions apply. Review your options before a storm is approaching.

Take photos of your home and belongings, and keep insurance details and essential documents somewhere accessible if you need to leave.

8. Travel carefully and return home only when safe

During severe weather:

• Avoid unnecessary travel.

• Never drive through flooded roads.

• Follow evacuation instructions.

• Check road closures before leaving.

• Monitor official weather and emergency updates.

Use Caltrans QuickMap for state highway conditions and the county’s preparedness hub for local road information.

After an evacuation, wait until officials say it is safe to return. Watch for damaged roads, unstable slopes, downed power lines, and contaminated floodwater.

Your quick-start checklist

Take these five steps first:

1. Register for CruzAware alerts.

2. Find your evacuation zone.

3. Check gutters, drainage, and roof maintenance.

4. Gather emergency supplies and pack a go-bag.

5. Agree on transportation and a safe destination.

Preparing now gives your household more options when winter storms arrive.