Summer has barely ended, but California officials are already urging residents to prepare for a potentially stormy fall and winter. With forecasts pointing to an unusually strong El Niño, now is a good time to check the areas around your home that could become problems during heavy rain.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, California is preparing for a potentially historic El Niño this fall and winter. The article reports that NOAA’s August 2026 forecast gave El Niño a greater than 90% chance of reaching very strong intensity, while Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to help agencies prepare for possible flooding, mudslides and other storm-related hazards.

El Niño can increase the likelihood of heavy rain in parts of California, but it doesn’t mean every neighborhood will experience the same conditions. Regardless of how the season unfolds, a few simple checks around your home can help you catch problems before the first major storm.

San francisco streets — Image Credit: pexels-allen-boguslavsky

Clear your gutters and downspouts

Remove leaves, dirt, and other debris from gutters so rainwater can flow freely instead of spilling over the sides and collecting near your home’s foundation.

Check that downspouts are securely attached and direct water away from exterior walls, walkways and other areas where it could pool. If your gutters are hard to reach, hire a professional instead of climbing onto the roof yourself.

Check outdoor drains before they clog

Walk around your driveway, patio and yard to look for drains covered by leaves, dirt or other debris that could block water during heavy rain.

Pay attention to low spots where water has collected during previous storms, and clear any surface debris you can safely reach. If you rent or live in an apartment building, report blocked drains in shared areas to your property manager before the rainy season begins.

Look for small leaks before they become bigger problems

Inspect ceilings, walls, windows, and exterior doors for water stains, peeling paint, damaged weatherstripping, or other signs that moisture may be getting inside.

Small leaks around windows, roofing or exterior seals can become more troublesome during prolonged rainfall, so arrange repairs before storms arrive. Renters should photograph any existing damage and notify their landlord or property manager in writing.

Move valuables off garage and basement floors

Garages, basements and ground-level storage spaces can be vulnerable to water intrusion, especially if they have flooded in the past.

Move important documents, photographs, electronics and other valuable belongings onto sturdy shelves or into suitable protective containers rather than leaving them directly on the floor. Keep essential items somewhere accessible in case you need to leave your home quickly.

Secure loose items outside

Check your yard, patio and balcony for lightweight furniture, decorations, empty planters and other items that could blow around during strong winds.

Bring smaller items indoors when storms are forecast, secure larger objects and make sure gates and storage sheds close properly. If you notice broken or hanging tree branches near your home, contact a qualified professional to assess them before severe weather arrives.

Put together a basic power-outage kit

Keep flashlights, spare batteries, a charged power bank, drinking water, essential medications and other everyday necessities in an easy-to-find location.

A battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio can help you receive updates if your electricity or internet service goes out. If you use a generator during an outage, operate it outdoors and well away from doors, windows and vents to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home.

Find out whether your home is in a flood-prone area

Check your local emergency-management website for flood maps, evacuation routes, and alerts specific to your neighborhood, especially if you live near a creek, steep hillside, or area that has flooded before.

Review your homeowners or renters insurance policy to understand what types of water damage are covered, since standard policies generally exclude flooding. If you are considering separate flood insurance, ask about coverage and waiting periods before storms are on the way.

Renters can prepare, too

If you rent, check around windows and doors for leaks, keep belongings away from areas that have flooded before and report drainage problems in shared spaces.

Ask your landlord or property manager how to reach someone after hours if water starts entering your unit during a storm. Photograph valuable belongings, review your renters insurance coverage and keep important documents somewhere protected and easy to access.