Local Emergency Declared as Region Prepares for Strong El Niño

Southern California is preparing for what could be a strong El Niño season, making now an important time for commercial property teams to review their emergency plans.

The City of Long Beach declared a local emergency this week in preparation for possible El Niño impacts. The declaration gives the City greater flexibility to prepare and respond if conditions worsen and follows California's statewide emergency declaration.

Meteorologists are watching an El Niño pattern that could contribute to a particularly strong storm season in Southern California this winter. Heavy rain and strong winds are among the potential concerns.

The warning comes shortly after Long Beach experienced powerful coastal conditions earlier this month. High surf damaged garages along the shoreline, prompted evacuations near the Boardwalk, and raised concerns about erosion.

What Property Teams Should Do Now

For our members, this is a good reminder to prepare before severe weather arrives.

Property teams should review their emergency plans, check roofs and drainage systems, prepare for possible flooding and power outages, inspect exterior areas, and make sure staff and tenants know how the building will communicate during an emergency.

Taking these steps now can help protect buildings, tenants, employees, and operations if severe weather impacts the region.

Stay Prepared With BOMA/GLA

We also encourage members to get involved with our Security & Emergency Preparedness Committee to connect with industry experts, share best practices, and stay informed on emerging safety and emergency preparedness issues.

Members can also use our Building Services Finder to find trusted industry partners who can help prepare their properties for severe weather and other emergencies.

We will continue monitoring regional emergency preparations and share updates that could impact commercial buildings and operations.