The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will hold a hearing Oct. 20 to discuss the potential impacts of El Niño this winter and how local agencies are preparing for severe weather.
The presentation, scheduled for 10:45am, will include current El Niño forecasts, possible impacts on the county and preparations underway by county departments and partner agencies.
El Niño weather patterns can increase the likelihood of a wetter-than-average winter in California, bringing heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides, downed trees and power outages.
But county officials caution that even a strong El Niño does not necessarily mean Santa Cruz County will experience above-average rainfall.
Still, officials say they are preparing for the possibility of severe storms and encouraging residents to take precautions.
The presentation will also include information about resources available to help residents protect their homes, families and businesses.
County officials are urging residents to sign up for emergency notifications at CruzAware.org, review evacuation information, assemble emergency supplies and take steps to protect their properties from storm damage.
The hearing will be held in the Board Chambers on the fifth floor of the County Government Center, 701 Ocean St. in Santa Cruz.
Residents can attend in person or watch online at bit.ly/4yw9w1i
For information about El Niño and winter storm preparedness, visit santacruzcountyca.gov/living/elnino.aspx.
