Storm readiness for the El Niño season

A very strong El Niño is expected to affect weather patterns during fall and winter 2026–27.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as of Sept. 10, 2026, El Niño is strengthening, with a greater than 90% chance of becoming a very strong event this fall and winter.

While El Niño can increase the likelihood of wetter-than-normal conditions in Southern California, it does not guarantee how much rain Lakewood will receive or when storms will occur.

Residents can prepare now for the types of weather impacts that may accompany winter storms, including heavy rain, localized flooding, power outages, hazardous driving conditions and other disruptions.

Use the tips and resources below to prepare your home, vehicle and family before severe weather arrives.

What you can do now to prepare

Around your home

• Clear leaves and debris from gutters, drains and other drainage areas before storms arrive.

• Check yard drainage and make sure water can flow away from your home.

• Garages and other ground-level areas may be vulnerable to flooding, so raise valuable items off the floor.

• If your property is at risk of flooding, have sandbags and other needed supplies ready before heavy rain begins. Check LA County resources for free sandbag locations or purchase supplies from a local home improvement or hardware store.

• Check trees and remove damaged or weakened limbs that could fall during heavy rain or wind.

• Inspect your roof and check window seals.

• Secure or bring inside outdoor furniture or other items that could blow or float away during a storm.

Prepare for outages

• Check flashlights and batteries and keep cellphones and backup battery packs charged.

• Know how to safely report a power outage or downed power line. Never approach a downed line.

• If someone in your household relies on electrically powered medical equipment or refrigerated medication, make a backup plan in case of an extended power outage.

Emergency supplies and plans

• Keep basic emergency supplies on hand, including water, food, medications and other necessities for everyone in your household, including pets.

• Keep important documents in a waterproof container or sealed bag and consider keeping digital copies.

• Have a family communication plan so everyone knows how to reconnect if family members are at work, school or elsewhere when a storm occurs.

Get your car ready

• Prepare or update an emergency kit for your car.

• Check your vehicle's tires, windshield wipers and headlights and make sure they are in good working condition.

In your car...

As a flat city in a flat region, remember that Lakewood streets can take time to drain during a heavy downpour.

• Avoid driving during a downpour if you can.
• Never drive or walk through floodwater. Never drive around a barricade blocking a flooded road. You may not be able to tell how deep the water is or whether the roadway beneath it has been damaged.
• Slow down and allow extra distance between your vehicle and the one ahead. Wet roads reduce traction and increase stopping distance.
• Turn on your headlights when driving in the rain. 
• Watch for utility and emergency crews working near roadways during and after storms.
• If a traffic signal is not working, stop as though the intersection has stop signs in all directions, then proceed cautiously when safe.
• Park your car in a raised driveway when a heavy downpour is expected. A vehicle parked next to a gutter may be more vulnerable to rising water.

During heavy rain

• Avoid unnecessary trips during the heaviest rain. 
• Stay away from flood control channels, storm drains and other areas where water can rise quickly.
• Stay at least 100 feet away from downed power lines or electrical wires and call 911 to report them. 
• Keep children and pets away from floodwater.
• Use sandbags if you think your garage or ground-level rooms are at risk.
• Keep pets inside and ensure they have shelter from the storm.
• Follow instructions from local officials and do not enter closed or restricted areas. 

How to stay informed

Follow the City of Lakewood's Facebook, Instagram or X social media accounts for updates.

Sign up for the Alert LA County updates. Alert LA County is the county's free emergency notification system and is used to send important information during emergencies and disasters. It's easy to sign up with your Google, Facebook or X account.

Subscribe to our free weekly emagazine for City news, preparedness information and other updates affecting Lakewood.

For weather forecasts, watches and warnings, check the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard Forecast Office.

Before traveling, check Caltrans QuickMap for current highway closures, traffic conditions and other roadway information.

Street sweeping information

If street sweeping is in question due to weather conditions, we will post status updates on social media and the City's website early in the morning.

If possible, please plan to have cars off the street during periods of heavy rain to help reduce the chance of vehicles being exposed to rising gutter or street water.