Getting Ready for El Niño

Published on October 21, 2026

Flooded roadway with a warning triangle and exclamation mark above the Spanish text “El Niño Resources.”

Strong winter storms are more likely this year. We can’t say exactly where or when they’ll hit, so Tracy is getting ready now. Select a topic below to open it, then take the steps that fit your household. Know. Protect. Respond.

Why now, and what El Niño really means

On September 21, 2026, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency to strengthen El Niño preparedness across California. NOAA reports El Niño conditions are present and expected to strengthen this winter. El Niño often produces more frequent and intense storms over California, which can cause flooding, landslides and debris flows. FEMA Region 9 has also urged households to prepare now, ahead of El Niño winter storms.

Myth: El Niño means Tracy will flood this winter.
Fact: El Niño doesn’t guarantee a wet winter or any particular storm. It raises the risk of strong storms, so prepare before the forecast.

Know. Protect. Respond

Know

Your flood risk, even outside flood zones
Where water collects near you
Two ways out
How you’ll get alerts
Where to get accurate information

Protect

Clear gutters and storm drains
Secure outdoor items
Get sandbags when needed
Protect documents and valuables
Prepare for a power outage and ready your vehicle

Respond

Never drive through floodwater
Follow evacuation instructions
Check on neighbors
Take your pets with you
Call 911 only for emergencies

Know your Evacuation Zone

San Joaquin County’s Office of Emergency Services is changing how emergency alerts name affected areas. Alerts and warnings will use evacuation zone codes instead of street names, so the information is more precise and consistent. The County is phasing this in now, so learn your zone before El Niño arrives.

Look up your address on the County’s Know Your Zone page.
Write down your zone code. Keep it with your go-bag and save it in every household member’s phone.
Look up the zones for your workplace, your children’s school and relatives you help care for.
When an alert names your zone, follow it. A Warning means be ready to leave. An Order means leave immediately.

Find your zone at sjready.org

Evacuation zones in and around Tracy

Prepare your Household

Go-bag: medications, documents, chargers, water, first aid, pet supplies.
Power outage kit: flashlights, batteries, power bank, food and water.
Vehicle: keep it fueled or charged and check Caltrans QuickMap before you travel.
Property: clean gutters, secure outdoor items, move valuables higher.
Pets and livestock: plan before an evacuation. Don’t assume shelters take animals.

What the City is doing

Cleaning and inspecting problem drains, culverts, channels and basins [status]
Pre-staging pumps, generators, barricades and sandbags
Checking sewer and water facilities and backup power
Planning road closures and detours ahead of time
24-hour crew coverage during major storms

Trusted Sources

Six Things to do Today

Sign up for alerts. Register every phone in your home with City and County alerts, then find your evacuation zone.
Clear your drain. Rake leaves from your gutters and the storm drain by your home.
Plan two ways out of your neighborhood.
Pack your kits. A go-bag if you must leave; light, water and chargers for an outage.
Check on a neighbor. Older adults and anyone who lives alone.
Check your flood insurance. Most homeowners and renters policies don't cover flood damage, and new flood policies typically take 30 days to start.