Oakland encourages residents to prepare now ahead of El Niño winter

Oakland Oakland encourages residents to prepare now ahead of El Niño winter By Bob Redell • Published November 9, 2026 • Updated on November 9, 2026 at 11:30 am The city of Oakland is urging residents to start preparing for what is expected to be a wet winter. The federal government is predicting significant El Niño conditions between December and February that could lead to higher tides, flooding and downed trees. Watch NBC Bay Area News free wherever you are WATCH HERE In preparation, Oakland is offering residents free sandbags – up to 10 per household – and 20 feet of plastic sheeting. The city's public works employees are already out clearing storm drains and culverts. Residents are encouraged to clear inlets in their neighborhoods if they can or call 311 if they can't. The city is also checking on vulnerable trees and asking residents to do the same on their property. Mayor Barbara Lee said the city will soon declare an emergency that will streamline the city’s response to the storms and possibly get access to funds for potential cleanup. Severe Weather Oct 20 El Niño is here: How to prepare for winter in the Bay Area bay area weather Oct 26 Marin County flooded by high tides in preview of El Niño winter This article tagged under: Oakland bay area weather weather