Saturday, September 26, 2026

County Experts Discuss El Niño Risks, Answer Questions at Monday Virtual Town Hall

Local esidents can ask Los Angeles County experts about El Niño storm risks during a virtual town hall Monday, Sept. 28, as the county monitors burn areas ahead of the 2026-27 storm season.

El Niño could bring heavier rain and raise the risk of flooding, landslides and debris flows across the county, experts caution.

The 90-minute session, “El Niño Town Hall: Know Before The Storm,” is hosted by Supervisor Horvath’s Third District office and is open to residents countywide. It will bring together county departments to explain how the county is preparing for the wet fall and winter conditions expected with El Niño, her office said.

Partners include the county Office of Emergency Management and the departments of Public Works, Beaches and Harbors, and Public Social Services, along with the National Weather Service Los Angeles office.

The discussion is to cover the potential for heavier rain, flooding, landslides and debris flows, with information on emergency alerts and evacuation planning, according to City News Service.

County crews are inspecting and maintaining dams, debris basins, channels, storm drains and pump stations, and monitoring burn areas and hillsides at risk of flooding and debris flows, Horvath’s office said. Public Works Director Mark Pestrella said at the Sept. 1 Board of Supervisors meeting that the most at-risk properties have been identified and affected residents will be contacted, especially in burn scar areas, KTLA reported.

California State Geologist Jeremy Lancaster has said as little as a fifth of an inch of rain in 15 minutes could trigger a debris flow in the Eaton burn scar, the Santa Monica Daily Press reported.

The National Weather Service says burn areas remain at heightened risk of flash flooding and debris flows for at least two years after a fire, the Daily Press reported.

“After fires, floods, and landslides, we know exactly what is at stake when heavy rain hits Los Angeles,” Horvath said.

The county urges residents to sign up for Alert LA County emergency notifications and to learn their flood and mudflow risk if they live near a hillside, canyon or recent burn area. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, and flood insurance can take at least 30 days to take effect, the county said. Residents concerned about mud or debris flow risk can call Public Works at 1-800-933-0930 to speak with an engineer.

NEED TO KNOW

Event: El Niño Town Hall: Know Before The Storm, hosted by the Office of Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. When: Monday, Sept. 28. Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Where: Online; registration through Zoom. For more, call (213) 974-3333 or visit https://lindseyhorvath.lacounty.gov/event/elninotownhall/