Severe storms

You can help prevent flooding and keep yourself and your community safe by taking steps before, during and after storms or high-tide flooding.

October 2026 outlook

The National Weather Service (NWS) says a strong-to-very strong El Niño is likely through early 2027. Its October 15 outlook favors wetter-than-normal conditions in Northern California for December 2026 through February 2027. Prepare now for rain, flooding, strong winds and power outages.

El Niño is a climate pattern that can influence storm tracks. It is not a storm. Even a very strong El Niño does not guarantee the same impacts everywhere or tell us when individual storms will arrive, where they will hit or how severe they will be.

How quickly rain falls matters, not just the season’s total. A single storm can cause serious damage even if the winter ends with normal or below-normal rainfall. Prepare now and follow forecasts throughout the season.

NWS expects coastal flooding this winter. Warmer seawater expands, and El Niño-related Kelvin waves can temporarily raise coastal water levels. High tides can then flood low-lying waterfront areas even without rain. Storm surge and large waves can worsen coastal flooding. Follow local forecasts and avoid flooded areas.

• Gather supplies and make sure you have what you need to stay indoors. Check your flashlights, batteries and essential supplies. Charge phones and other critical devices, and write down important contacts.
• Check on your neighbors. Talk with people on your block or in your building about what help they may need during a storm or power outage, especially older adults and people with disabilities or medical conditions.
• Clear drains safely before storms. Remove leaves and debris from sidewalks and the tops of storm drains when safe. Work from the sidewalk, wear gloves and use a rake or broom. Leave drain grates in place and don’t reach underneath them. Do not clear drains during storms or enter pooled water. Report blocked drains to 311.
  • Join San Francisco’s Adopt a Drain or Rain Guardians program to help keep storm drains and rain gardens free of debris.
• Before water rises, move vehicles out of flood-prone areas and elevate belongings, equipment and business inventory. Do this only when it is safe; never enter floodwater to move or retrieve property. Learn about flood protection resources and financial assistance at sfpuc.gov/rainreadysf.
• Maintain your sewer lateral. Work with a plumber to inspect and maintain the pipe connecting your building to the City sewer. See SFPUC’s Rain Ready resources for more property-protection tips.
• Explore flood-protection assistance. SFPUC’s Floodwater Grant Program provides up to $100,000 for approved flood-protection projects at eligible properties that have experienced flooding from the public right-of-way or sewer system during heavy rain. Review the program’s requirements before applying.
• Review your flood insurance now. Most homeowners, renters and business insurance does not cover flood damage. Separate flood coverage is available. New National Flood Insurance Program policies generally have a 30-day waiting period. Learn about flood coverage and waiting-period exceptions.
• When high winds are in the forecast, prevent damage to your property by trimming loose branches and parking away from trees. Close and latch any operable windows. Remove all loose or unsecured objects from balconies, roofs or other outside areas.
• Plan ahead for your business. Consider remote work or adjusted hours when severe weather makes travel dangerous.
  • Join a virtual El Niño preparedness webinar for small businesses on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 10–11:30 a.m. Learn how to prepare for severe weather, flooding and power outages. Learn more and register.

Free sandbag pickup

San Francisco residents and businesses can get up to 10 free sandbags per address from Public Works, while supplies last. Bring proof that you live or operate a business in San Francisco.

Year-round pickup: Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., at the Public Works Operations Yard. Enter at Kansas and Marin streets. You will generally need to load your own sandbags, with limited exceptions.

Neighborhood Sandbag Saturdays: All pickups below run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• November 7: Marina Green Triangle, Marina Boulevard at Marina Green Drive.
• November 14: Sunset Circle Parking Lot, Sunset Boulevard at Lake Merced Boulevard.
• November 21: Marina Green Triangle, Marina Boulevard at Marina Green Drive; and Ocean Beach Parking Lot, Great Highway at Balboa Street, Stairwells 4–7.
• December 5: Sherman Street between Folsom and Harrison streets; and Fire Training Center, 19th and Folsom streets.

Check Public Works’ current sandbag information before you go. Sandbags are also sold at many hardware and home improvement stores.

Storm and Flood Hazard Map

Explore our Storm and Flood Hazard Map for local flood-risk and preparedness information.

This interactive map shows local flood risk zones identified by FEMA and the City, PG&E outage areas, sandbag pickup locations, and National Weather Service hazard products.

To explore additional resources, click the drop-down menu in the top-right corner of the map and select “layers” (the icon that looks like a stack of papers).

For current sandbag pickup hours and neighborhood distributions, check Public Works’ sandbag information.

Visit our Storm and Flood Hazard Map

• Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rains and winds. If you have to be out, stay away from flooded areas and downed power lines, whether in a car or on foot. Never walk or drive through floodwater.
• Avoid flood-prone areas, like lower elevation streets, drainage channels, and underpasses where water can rise quickly.
• During high winds, falling trees and broken branches can become dangerous objects. Avoid walking near trees, especially in parks. Report downed limbs to 311.
• Use caution during power outages:
  • Unplug electronics and turn off appliances to prevent damage from power surges.
  • Leave one light on to signal when power is restored.
  • Use flashlights instead of candles to prevent fires. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• Call, text or visit neighbors. Older adults, especially those who live alone, and those with disabilities or medical conditions are most at risk during emergencies and disasters.
• Report routine storm-related issues such as clogged catch basins, localized flooding, sewer backups or wastewater odors to 311 online at sf311.org, on the 311 mobile app for Android and iPhone, or by calling 3-1-1.
• Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

• Check your home or business for flood damage and contact your insurance provider or landlord.
• Document damage when it is safe. Take photos and keep receipts and records of cleanup and repairs.
• If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, leave immediately and call 9-1-1. Then call PG&E at (800) 743-5000.
• Safely handle food after power outages
  • Leave refrigerator and freezer doors shut. An unopened refrigerator protects food for up to four hours during an outage.
  • Food in a closed freezer stays safe for approximately 48 hours if it is full, or 24 hours if half full.
  • After four hours without power, throw away refrigerated perishables such as meat, milk, eggs and leftovers unless ice or another cold source has kept them at 40°F or colder. Do not use taste to judge safety.
  • Visit OEWD's Food Safety for Businesses page for more tips on preparing your business for a power outage.
• Continue reporting clogged catch basins, street flooding, sewer backups or wastewater odors to 311 online at sf311.org, on the 311 mobile app for Android and iPhone, or by calling 3-1-1.
• Call, text or visit neighbors. Older adults, especially those who live alone, and those with disabilities or medical conditions are most at risk during emergencies and disasters.

On October 23, 2026, Mayor Daniel Lurie declared a local emergency to strengthen San Francisco’s El Niño preparedness. The declaration streamlines purchasing and contracting so departments can secure flood barriers, pumps, generators and other essential resources before impacts occur.

The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) has established a citywide incident coordination group with public safety, infrastructure, health and human services agencies to strengthen winter planning and preparedness. DEM brings departments together for National Weather Service briefings and coordinates public information. City public safety agencies and on-call teams monitor conditions around the clock. If storm or coastal flooding impacts require it, DEM will activate the Emergency Operations Center, and departments may activate their own operations centers.

• San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) crews maintain sewer infrastructure year-round. During intense storms, SFPUC’s Stormwatch coordinates preparations and response with Public Works and DEM.
• The Port is preparing high-risk waterfront areas for temporary flood barriers, assessing vulnerable infrastructure and preparing stormwater-pumping capabilities.
• Public Works is stocking sandbags and preparing crews for fallen trees, drainage problems and roadway impacts.
• SFMTA is protecting equipment and planning transit and paratransit service adjustments as conditions change.
• Rec and Park will have dedicated tree and heavy-equipment crews on standby from November through mid-April. Police and Fire are maintaining staffing and preparing to respond to storm impacts.

The City is reducing risks where it can and preparing to respond quickly to impacts it cannot prevent. Heavy rainfall can still exceed the sewer system’s capacity. Preparing your household, property and neighborhood remains important.

• Read the National Weather Service’s El Niño information and preparedness guide.
• Learn how to prepare and stay safe during flooding.
• Find out about how disasters and emergencies can affect San Francisco.
• Review the steps to get prepared for any emergency.

Brought to you by the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (DEM). DEM manages San Francisco's everyday and not-so-everyday emergencies.

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Request a short presentation on disaster preparedness from the Department of Emergency Management.