Huntington Beach gears up for El Niño storms

With El Niño looming, Huntington Beach is preparing its infrastructure and residents for expected winter storms.

Brevyn Mettler, the city’s emergency-services coordinator, told City Council members Monday night about steps the Public Works, Marine Safety and other city departments have taken to minimize flooding around town.

Mettler said storms, largely driven by El Niño, are expected to hit Southern California from mid-January through April. El Niño is a warming of ocean waters that can cause dramatic changes to the atmosphere, altering weather patterns worldwide. This year’s El Niño is stacking up to be one of the strongest on record and is expected to bring heavy rains to California.

In anticipation, Huntington Beach marine-safety officials will build a 5-foot-tall by 20-foot-wide sand berm in front of properties next to the beach that are susceptible to unusually high tides known as “king tides.” Marine safety officials also are trained for any swift-water rescues that may be necessary due to flooding.

The Public Works Department has taken precautions to try to prevent or minimize flooding. Several flood-control station engines were replaced to handle any increased water flow, and emergency generators will be installed at each of the 15 flood stations. Storm channels have been cleaned and cleared of any blockages.

In Sunset Beach, Public Works has extended the seawall along Pacific Coast Highway and installed bladders in catch basins to prevent seawater from flowing onto the streets during king tides, Mettler said.

City officials are asking residents to be proactive with their storm preparedness and suggest they do the following:

• Assess storm and flood risk for your property.

• Clean and repair gutters.

• Inspect retaining walls for cracking and slumping.

• Place temporary sand bags in areas at risk of flooding.

• Update emergency plans and kits.

• Review or purchase flood insurance.

Huntington Harbour residents with waterfront properties are encouraged to:

• Inspect their seawalls.

• Plug drain lines when king tides are forecast.

• Inspect the height of pilings and make sure moorings are secure.

• Consider pulling boats from the harbor.

During a storm, residents are advised to:

• Avoid flooded areas.

• Do not drive on flooded roads.

• Keep a safe distance from downed power lines.

• Listen and watch for flood reports.

• Learn how to turn off utilities if instructed to do so.

Rosanna Xia of the Los Angeles Times contributed to this report.