El Niño Preparedness
Preparing for potential storm impacts during the Fall 2026 - Winter 2027 rainy season.
Current Storm Updates (Last Updated - 10/20/26 at 11:16AM):
Weather Alerts - National Weather Service Info for Santee, CA (No significant weather impacts are expected.)
Closures & Service Impacts - No active alert
Sandbags Availability - Yes, sand and sandbags are currently available
Resident Action - Storm Preparations
Sand and Sandbags
Public Services Operations Center
9534 Via Zapador, Santee
Available to Santee residents on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last, 10 bags per household. Residents fill their own bags.
Arrange for sandbags before a storm arrives.
Sandbag 101 Video (How to properly fill and stack sandbags)
Report a Drainage Concern
Emergency or immediate danger: Call 911.
Non-emergency concerns: Report blocked public storm drains through MySanteeCA app. Include the location, a description and photos when safe.
What is the City of Santee doing to prepare?
The City of Santee is preparing for the rainy season through drainage maintenance, facility inspections, coordination with partner agencies and emergency response planning.
Completed/In Progress Preparations
- Continuous cleaning and inspecting of flood channels, storm drains and trash capture devices.
- Inspecting City parks, buildings and emergency facilities.
- Sending maintenance reminders to property owners responsible for private drainage systems.
- Coordinating with Caltrans, the County of San Diego and Padre Dam Municipal Water District.
- A sandbag filling station currently available at the City Operations Center, 9534 Via Zapador.
- Conducted an Emergency Operations Center training
Additional Preparations Underway or Planned
- Preparing traffic control equipment, safety supplies, road repair materials and flood warning signage.
- Monitoring National Weather Service briefings.
- Planning for additional Public Services response staffing as conditions require.
These efforts help reduce storm impacts and support emergency response. Residents should also prepare their properties and follow local weather forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
El Niño is a climate pattern involving warmer than usual ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. These warmer waters influence weather patterns around the world, including the potential for wetter conditions in Southern California.
This season’s outlook includes the potential for warmer-than-average temperatures and wetter conditions in Southern California. Periods of heavy rain bring an increased risk of localized flooding and other storm-related impacts.
El Niño does not guarantee specific temperatures or rainfall amounts. Residents should stay prepared and follow local weather forecasts throughout the rainy season.
Intense rainfall exceeding drainage capacity leads to water backing up or overflowing. Maintenance helps reduce risk but does not eliminate flooding during heavy storms.
Additional Resources
Stay Informed and Make a Plan
- Register for emergency phone, text and email notifications through AlertSanDiego.
- Download Genasys Protect and know your evacuation zone.
- Make a household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, family contacts and arrangements for pets.
- Follow City of Santee social media for updates and local weather forecasts.
- Download the MySanteeCA app to submit service requests for reporting blocked public storm drains or other non-emergency drainage concerns.
Know Your Flood Risk
Prepare Your Property
- Clear gutters and private drainage areas of leaves and debris.
- Secure outdoor furniture, umbrellas and other loose items before strong winds.
- Move valuables and important documents away from flood-prone areas.
- Arrange for sandbags before a storm if your property is prone to flooding. The City has sand and sandbags available to Santee residents at 9534 Via Zapador. The bags must be filled by the resident.
Prepare for Power Outages
- Charge phones and portable battery packs.
- Keep flashlights and extra batteries handy.
- Plan for refrigerated medications and medical equipment requiring electricity.
- Check SDG&E for outage updates.
- Operate generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents.
Build a Supply Kit and Stay Safe
- Keep several days of water, nonperishable food, medications and pet supplies, plus first-aid supplies.
- Avoid walking or driving through floodwater.
- Follow evacuation instructions promptly.
- Find more preparedness resources at AlertSanDiego.org.
Sand and sandbags are available to Santee residents at the Public Services Operations Center, 9534 Via Zapador, on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Residents are responsible for filling their own bags. (Bags are not for resale or commercial use.)
Learn how to fill and place sandbags safely.
Household Preparedness
Weather, Roads and Power Outages