Graphic of a person with an umbrella walking on a wet path lined with autumn trees.

The City of Irvine will host an El Niño Preparedness Town Hall Monday, October 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Irvine City Hall Council Chamber.

The community event will help residents understand El Niño, what the current outlook may mean for Irvine and Southern California, and how the City is preparing for the winter storm season.

A guest speaker from the National Weather Service will discuss current conditions, the seasonal outlook, and the types of weather Southern California could experience. The presentation will also explain the difference between a seasonal climate outlook and a forecast for a specific storm.

Representatives from Orange County Fire Authority and the City of Irvine Office of Emergency Management and Public Works & Sustainability Department will discuss how the City prepares for and responds to heavy rain, flooding, high winds, fallen trees, blocked storm drains, road hazards, and other storm-related impacts.

Community members will learn:

  • What El Niño is and why it matters in Irvine.
  • How the City monitors conditions and coordinates emergency response.
  • How Irvine maintains storm drains, streets, trees, drainage systems, and public facilities.
  • How to obtain sandbags through the City’s sandbag program.
  • How to report fallen trees, blocked storm drains, flooding, and other non-emergency maintenance concerns.
  • How to register for emergency alerts and receive verified City information.
  • What households, businesses, and property managers can do before severe weather arrives.

The program will include presentations followed by a question-and-answer session. The town hall will be held at Irvine City Hall, 1 Civic Center Plaza. Community members may attend in person or watch live through Zoom. The program will also be recorded and made available for on-demand viewing.

Zoom Information:

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
El Niño Preparedness Town Hall
Meeting ID: 165 862 7575
Passcode: 434569

Join via audio:
(669) 254-5252
Webinar ID: 165 862 7575

Stay Connected: 

  • Residents are encouraged to register for AlertOC, Orange County’s emergency mass-notification system, at AlertOC.gov. AlertOC allows the City to send geographically targeted emergency information and instructions by phone, text, and email.
  • For non-emergency concerns involving City streets, trees, storm drains, or other public infrastructure, residents may use the Access Irvine mobile app, visit cityofirvine.gov/howcanwehelp, or contact Public Works & Sustainability at 949-724-7600.
  • Call 9-1-1 for an immediate threat to life or property.
  • In an emergency, tune to AM 1640 on the radio or listen live online. The City operates and maintains the radio station to provide real-time emergency information, including evacuations, road closures, emergency services, and shelter during a disaster. 
  • For additional preparedness tips, visit cityofirvine.gov/prepare.