Lake Elsinore Council Hears Winter Storm Readiness Briefing as El Niño Tilts Odds Toward a Wetter Winter
Lake Elsinore — Lake Elsinore is a city in Riverside County, California. The Lake Elsinore City Council heard a winter storm readiness briefing on October 13. City Emergency Services Manager Ralph Mesa and a National Weather Service meteorologist told the council that El Niño has raised the likelihood of a wetter-than-normal winter in Southern California, and that the city is preparing for possible flooding and other weather impacts. According to Elsinore 24/7's October 15 report on the council meeting, the meteorologist said El Niño tilts the odds in favor of a wetter winter but does not guarantee one, and that possible impacts include flash flooding, debris flows, thunderstorms and wind damage.
Mesa said the city works with the National Weather Service to monitor conditions and notify staff as storms approach, and that Public Works crews place signs in known flood-prone areas, check drainage systems and keep equipment available. Over the preceding weekend, the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel brought heavy rain and isolated flash flooding to the area. Mesa said that during that storm he contacted the school district about the availability of gyms as potential shelter locations and contacted the American Red Cross to put resources on standby.
The city's preparations also include sandbags available at the Public Works yard at 521 N. Langstaff St. Mesa outlined household steps presented at the meeting, including planning alternate travel routes in case usual roads flood, making an emergency plan for the whole household including pets, and assembling a supply kit lasting at least three days, with one gallon of water per person per day, nonperishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, medications and pet supplies. He also explained the difference between an evacuation warning, which means residents should prepare to leave, and an evacuation order, which means residents must leave immediately. Emergency preparedness information is available through the city's Department of Emergency Services webpage and social media accounts, and the city's emergency services line is 951-346-2283.
(Source: Elsinore 24/7, October 15, reporting on the Lake Elsinore City Council meeting of October 13)
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：从罗马山（Rome Hill）远眺埃尔西诺湖湖盆与市区（资料照片）。Photo: Lake Elsinore and the city viewed from Rome Hill (file photo). CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
