The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency Tuesday in anticipation of the 2026-27 winter storm season, citing the potential for a severe El Niño weather pattern that could bring heavy rain, flooding, landslides, coastal erosion, high winds, and power outages.
The County's Department of Emergency Management will lead preparation efforts, working with other county departments and local agencies. A new task force will coordinate information sharing, track preparations, and work with local communities to ensure readiness.
The task force will monitor preparation efforts across the county, including efforts to clear drains and culverts, check equipment, and prepare sandbag locations. It will also ensure emergency alerts and safety information are available in multiple languages and keep county leaders informed as conditions change.
Supervisor Ray Mueller, whose district includes much of the coastline, said: "Roads may be closed, power may go out and people may find themselves cut off and isolated for periods of time. We want residents to think now about and prepare for what they'll need if that happens."