The official National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) outlooks for December/ January/February temperature and precipitation for the West reflect the development of a strong El Niño during this period. There is a 50 percent chance that winter precipitation totals will be in the top 33 percent of historic values across Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico. This El Niño event is forecast to rival previous strong El Niño events, such as 1982-83 and 1997-98. No two years are identical even when a strong El Niño is present and these outlooks may change as we continue to track the progress of El Niño.                                                                        

El Niño storms are expected to be powerful this winter. Upland residents must be prepared as storms can cause a variety of safety issues and damage. The more prepared you are before El Niño arrives the better you and your home can withstand this winter’s storms. Getting ready is simple. Below are some recommended steps to prepare you and your home for El Niño:

Clean Rain Gutters and Drains

Clear rain gutters of leaves and other debris.

Remove debris from area drains and clear lines.

Check Balconies and Deck Slopes

Make sure water flows away from the walls.

Get Your Roof Ready

Inspect your roof for damage.

Look for cracks and make sure that you do not have any missing, loose, or curled shingles.

Tackle Doors and Windows

Make sure that all doors and windows close and seal properly.

Prepare for Power Outages

Heavy downpours sometimes cause temporary power outages. Have a flashlight and emergency supplies ready.

Trim Trees

Make sure tree branches are trimmed away from your home and where you park your vehicles.

Inspect Your Yard

Determine trouble spots. Water will collect in low spots. Keep water away from your home’s foundation by using sandbags to redirect water.

Stay Away from Flood Channels

Flood channels are designed to be efficient and get water out of the area as fast as possible to prevent flooding, but these same channels can be a very dangerous place during storm conditions. Water moves extremely fast through these channel and consequently, so does anything or anyone that falls into it.

Be Prepared for Water In Roadways

Californians love their cars, and it seems as if we are always on the go. We are all at risk of flooding during storms as we drive to work, drop our children off at school, shop, and visit our neighbors across the state. When you approach water in the road, no matter how shallow it appears, be prepared to turn around and find another route to your destination. For more information about "Turn around don't drown"™ visit the National Weather Service’s website at http://tadd.weather.gov/.

Be Aware: Know Your Risk

To find out if areas you frequent are in flood zones, visit the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services’ "My Hazards" website at http://myhazards.caloes.ca.gov. Simply type in your home, work, or school address to learn which natural hazards affect those areas.

Monitor the News

Monitor TV and radio news for information about weather conditions in your area.

The City of Upland has a limited supply of free sand and sandbags available to its residents to assist in protecting their properties from storm-water run-off and possible flooding.

Sandbags are available at the Upland City Yard.

Location: 1370 North Benson Avenue, Upland, CA 91786
Main Line: (909) 291-2933

Sandbag Guidelines:

• Must be an Upland resident.
• Shovels are available for self-service use.
• Fill sandbags 1/2 to 2/3 full and tie at the top so the bag will lay flat when put in place. A properly filled sandbag should weigh between 35-40 pounds.
• Bring someone to assist you. It is important to note that filling sandbags is a two-person job.

• Upland Basin (SEC Arrow and Monte Vista)
• Colonies Flood Control Basin
• PVPA Berm Project (South of San Antonio Dam)
• Cucamonga Crosswalls Project (North of Cucamonga Debris Basin)

• Benson Avenue Storm Drain
• 20^th Street Storm Drain
• San Antonio Storm Drain
• 11^th Street Storm Drain
• 8^th Street Storm Drain

• San Antonio Canyon Dam
• San Antonio Channel
• Cucamonga Flood Control Debris Basin
• Cucamonga Storm Channel

• Clean out City drains and storm channels.
• Install sandbags at the Euclid Avenue and 24th Street median.
• Coordinate Mutual Aid activities with surrounding local jurisdictions and agencies for emergency response.

Firefighters are preparing for El Niño by training for water rescues.

Water Rescue Awareness Training 

• This training will provide strategies for firefighters to remain safe while performing water rescues. Possible hazards that firefighters encounter when rescuing someone in flood waters are trees, fences, rocks, vehicles, manholes, etc. This class will also discuss techniques for efficient and safe rescue of people trapped in their vehicles because of flood waters.

Wash Rescue Training

• Fire personnel from Montclair and Upland Fire are training together to prepare for the possibility of performing water rescues from flood channels.

San Bernardino County El Niño Resource Page - http://www.sbcounty.gov/main/elnino.asp

National Weather Service El Niño Info Page - http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sgx/hydro/elnino.php?wfo=sgx

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration El Niño Portal – http://www.elnino.noaa.gov/

California Department of Water Resources – www.floodprepareCA.com

National Flood Insurance Program – www.floodsmart.gov