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Strong El Niño conditions and unusually high tides could increase the risk of coastal flooding, power outages, and transportation disruptions this winter
October 23, 2026
City of Alameda Urges Residents to Prepare for Winter Storms, King Tides, and Potential Flooding
ALAMEDA, Calif. — With strong El Niño conditions expected this winter and some of the year's highest tides approaching during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, the City of Alameda is encouraging residents and businesses to prepare now for potential flooding, power outages, and transportation disruptions.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is an 83% chance that El Niño will reach historically strong levels during the October–December 2026 period. While El Niño does not guarantee severe storms in Alameda, periods of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and unusually high tides could create challenging conditions throughout the winter.
As an island community, Alameda is particularly vulnerable to coastal flooding. Heavy rainfall and strong winds can also lead to fallen trees, downed powerlines, localized street flooding, and hazardous driving conditions.
King Tides Expected Around the Holidays
Some of the highest tides of the year are expected around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and again in January.
Known as King Tides, these exceptionally high tides can cause coastal flooding even without rainfall. When they coincide with winter storms, elevated water levels can also reduce the capacity of storm drainage systems, increasing the potential for flooding in low-lying areas.
Mark your calendars! Some of the highest tides of the season are anticipated during these periods:
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November 24–26, 2026 — Thanksgiving
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December 22–25, 2026 — Christmas
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January 20–23, 2027
The timing and height of individual tides will vary by location. While unusually high tides can be predicted in advance, the extent of any flooding will depend on weather conditions and water levels closer to each event.
City Preparing for Winter Storms and Flooding
The City of Alameda’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) serves as a central coordination hub, bringing together staff from Fire, Police, Public Works, Emergency Management, and other departments to monitor conditions, share information, coordinate resources, and support a coordinated response to severe weather.
Throughout the year, the City maintains more than 4,000 storm drain inlets, 135 miles of storm drain pipe and 10 pumping stations to help move rainwater away from streets and neighborhoods.
Ahead of the winter storm season, crews are clearing debris from storm drains and areas prone to flooding, inspecting pumps and backup generators, and preparing equipment to respond to severe weather.
During storms and unusually high tides, City crews will monitor areas at risk of flooding and may temporarily close roads to protect public safety.
Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) is also an important part of the City's storm response. Strong winds, falling trees, and other storm-related damage can disrupt electrical service. Residents should prepare for the possibility of power outages and follow AMP's official communications for information about electrical safety, outages, and restoration efforts.
“Preparing for emergencies is an ongoing responsibility, and we're taking steps now to strengthen our coordination and readiness ahead of the winter storm season,” said Alameda City Manager Gerry Beaudin. “We're working across departments to prepare for potential flooding, and we encourage residents to take advantage of the resources available now to help protect themselves and their families.”
Free Sandbags Available at Three Locations
To help residents prepare for potential flooding, the City has expanded free sandbag availability with three self-service stations throughout Alameda:
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Lexington Street and West Hope Street
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Washington Park: Parking lot at 1300 8th Street
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Grandview Pavilion: Parking lot at 300 Island Drive on Bay Farm Island
Residents may take up to five pre-filled sandbags, and fill any additional sandbags themselves.
How You Can Prepare
The City encourages residents and businesses, particularly those in low-lying or historically flood-prone areas, to take the following precautions:
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Know your flood risk. Review the City's Alameda King Tides Viewer and shoreline flood information to better understand potential flooding in your area. These planning tools do not provide real-time flood forecasts.
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Protect your property. Clear leaves and debris from private drainage areas, move valuable belongings away from areas susceptible to flooding, and consider whether sandbags may help protect vulnerable entrances.
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Prepare for power outages. Keep flashlights, batteries, portable phone chargers, medications, and other essential supplies readily available. Charge electronic devices ahead of anticipated storms. Never use generators, grills, or other fuel-burning equipment indoors.
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Plan for travel disruptions. Heavy rainfall, flooding, fallen trees, and downed power lines may result in road closures, traffic delays, or changes to transit service. Allow extra travel time, monitor traffic and transit updates, and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather. Never drive around road closure signs or barricades.
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Build or update your emergency kit. Have enough water, nonperishable food, medications, first-aid supplies, and other necessities to support your household for several days.
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Sign up for emergency alerts. Register for AC Alert to receive important emergency notifications by text, email, or phone, and GenasysProtect for information specific to the neighborhood where you live or work.
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Stay informed. Monitor National Weather Service forecasts and official City communications for updates about severe weather, road closures, and changing conditions.
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Avoid floodwaters and downed power lines. Never drive, walk, or bicycle through flooded streets or pathways. Stay away from downed electrical lines and assume they are energized.
Stay Informed and Report Storm-Related Hazards
Residents can report flooding, fallen trees, blocked storm drains, and other storm-related hazards to Alameda Public Works at (510) 747-7900 during business hours or (510) 337-8340 during evenings and weekends.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
The City will continue monitoring weather conditions and coordinating with regional agencies throughout the winter storm season. Additional public information will be shared as significant weather events or unusually high tides approach.
For information about sandbag locations, emergency alerts, flood preparedness, and other resources, visit the City’s Alameda Ready webpage.
To explore potential coastal flooding exposure, visit the City's Shoreline Adaptation Plan, which includes the Alameda King Tides Viewer.
Be Alameda Ready. Prepare now for the winter storms and high tides ahead.
State of Emergency - El Niño – September 21, 2026 – Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a State of Emergency(PDF, 3MB) for the entire state to prepare for the upcoming predicted El Niño event. The State of Emergency Proclamation directs CalOES and other state agencies to prepare for potential severe weather, flooding, coastal flooding, erosion, mud and debris flows, and other related impacts. City staff is working together to prepare for any impacts, and emergency management is collaborating with Alameda County OES to stay informed about developments in the situation.
Free sandbags, available earlier than usual. Beginning Tuesday, October 6, free sandbags will be available at a self-service station at the corner of Lexington Avenue and W. Hope Street. Residents may take up to five sandbags. On Saturday, November 7, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., City staff will be on site to help residents load sandbags into their vehicles.
Storm drain maintenance. Crews are inspecting and maintaining storm drains ahead of winter storms, including recent work to protect the Shoreline from flooding.
Storm response. During major weather events, City staff monitor known flood-prone areas. When heavy rain and high tides overwhelm drainage systems, roads may be temporarily closed to protect public safety.
Long-term shoreline protection. The City is developing a Shoreline Adaptation Plan to protect the community from coastal flooding caused by sea level rise, groundwater rise, and increased storm surge.
How Residents Can Prepare
- Sign up for alerts. Register for emergency text, email, and phone alerts from Alameda County.
- Get property-specific guidance. Visit the City's Storm Preparedness webpage for tips and resources.
- Report flooding and storm hazards. Call Public Works at 510-747-7900 during business hours, or 510-337-8340 on evenings and weekends. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 9-1-1.
- Stay informed and prepare early. Monitor weather alerts and get ready ahead of heavy rain and king tides.
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