Public Safety
San Diego declares local emergency ahead of El Niño season
The proclamation expands the city's authority to prepare for flooding and other severe-weather impacts and supports requests for state and federal assistance.
Mayor Todd Gloria proclaimed a local emergency Friday in anticipation of potentially severe weather during the 2026–27 El Niño season. The city said the action follows emergency declarations by California and San Diego County and gives San Diego additional flexibility to prepare and respond.
Flood preparations are underway
The city says crews have cleared and maintained more than 11 miles of storm channels, and departments are preparing sandbag distribution, reviewing evacuation routes and installing protective berms along beaches and the Mission Bay shoreline. Officials are also preparing for debris removal, emergency-operations staffing and possible impacts including flooding, mudslides, stronger surf, beach erosion, outages and downed trees.
Council action is required
The proclamation remains in effect for seven days unless the City Council ratifies it. Council members are scheduled to consider ratification Tuesday, October 6. If approved, the emergency will remain active until the council ends it.
Read the official release: City of San Diego →