Orange County launched a website Friday to provide residents and businesses with emergency information and resources as officials prepare for potentially severe storms and flooding associated with El Niño weather conditions.
The website, www.ocgov.com/el-nino, will serve as a central source for updates on the county’s emergency response, including storm-related developments, links to local government resources and information about preparing for hazardous weather, officials said Friday.
OC Public Works also established a separate webpage with information on protecting homes and businesses from flooding, traveling safely during storms and measures being taken to protect public infrastructure.
County officials warned that El Niño conditions could bring repeated rounds of heavy rain, strong winds, mountain snow, flooding, landslides and debris flows to Southern California, along with large waves and coastal flooding during periods of unusually high tides.
Such conditions could result in road closures, power outages, infrastructure damage and evacuations, with emergency information to be posted on the new website, according to the county.
The launch comes as Orange County faces another round of potentially damaging coastal flooding, with high surf and elevated tides already affecting beach communities.
Newport Beach declared a local emergency Friday after coastal flooding inundated streets on the Balboa Peninsula, prompting city officials to urge residents and motorists to avoid the area.
City crews were rebuilding protective sand berms, operating pumps and opening tide valves to drain flooded streets as officials warned that conditions could worsen over the weekend.
The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood warning for Orange County beaches through 3 p.m. Sunday, with the greatest threat expected Sunday morning as ocean swells, strong onshore winds and high tides exceeding 7 feet combine.
Forecasters warned of potentially significant flooding and beach erosion, with surf of 5 to 7 feet and occasional sets reaching 9 feet expected Sunday.
A coastal flood advisory will remain in effect from 3 p.m. Sunday until 2 p.m. Tuesday, with minor coastal flooding still possible.
On Sept. 17, Orange County proclaimed a local emergency in response to coastal impacts associated with Hurricane Marie.
Gov. Gavin Newsom subsequently proclaimed an El Niño-related state of emergency Sept. 21, mobilizing state resources ahead of anticipated winter storms.
County officials urged residents and businesses to prepare for a potentially wetter-than-average winter by developing emergency plans, assembling portable emergency supply kits and signing up for emergency notifications through AlertOC.
Residents were also encouraged to monitor official county social media accounts and local news outlets for updates on storm conditions and emergency response efforts.
Additional flood preparation and roadway safety information is available at pwom.oc.gov/el-nino.
Emergency planning resources are available at readyoc.com.