Here are some tips for Redondo Beach, Torrance, and Palos Verdes homeowners to prepare for heavy rain, wind, and coastal flooding.
Living in the South Bay usually means plenty of sunshine, mild temperatures, and beautiful coastal weather. But when Southern California does get a significant winter storm, our homes, streets and hillsides aren’t always accustomed to handling large amounts of rain in a short period of time.
With California preparing for the possibility of a strong El Niño season, now is a good time for South Bay homeowners to take a look around their property and make sure they’re ready for heavier rain, strong winds, coastal flooding, and other winter weather.
A little preventative maintenance now can potentially save you from a much bigger headache later.
Start With Your Roof, Gutters and Drains
After months of dry weather, gutters and drains can easily become clogged with leaves, dirt, and debris. When heavy rain arrives, that water needs somewhere to go.
Clean your gutters and downspouts and make sure water is being directed away from your home’s foundation. Check outdoor drains, patios, driveways, and other areas where you’ve noticed water collecting in the past.
It’s also worth taking a look at your roof. Missing or damaged shingles, cracked flashing, or small leaks may not seem significant during our dry months, but they can quickly become a problem during several days of steady rain.
Take a Walk Around Your Property
Before the first major storm, walk around the outside of your home and look at it as if you were a home inspector.
Are there areas where water could collect against the house? Are drains covered by landscaping or debris? Does water flow toward your home rather than away from it? Are there cracks or openings around windows and doors that need attention?
If you’ve lived in your home for a while, think back to previous rainy seasons. The spot that flooded five years ago or the drain that couldn’t keep up during the last big storm deserves some attention before the next one.
Check Trees and Landscaping
Strong winds combined with saturated soil can be particularly hard on trees.
Look for dead branches, limbs hanging over your home or driveway, and trees that appear unhealthy or unstable. If you’re unsure about a large tree, consider having a qualified arborist take a look rather than trying to tackle major trimming yourself.
It’s also a good time to check retaining walls, slopes, and hillside landscaping, particularly in areas of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and other hillside neighborhoods.
Coastal Homes Have Some Additional Concerns
Living close to the ocean is one of the best things about the South Bay, but winter storms can bring a different set of concerns.
Large waves, high tides, and storm surge can contribute to coastal flooding and erosion. Homes near the beach, bluffs, or low-lying areas may face risks that aren’t as significant just a few blocks inland.
Residents in Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and other coastal areas should pay attention to local advisories when significant storms and high surf are forecast.
Never underestimate moving water or large surf. A familiar beach, road, or walking path can look very different during a major coastal storm.
Don’t Forget About Your Insurance
This is also a good time to pull out your homeowners insurance policy and make sure you understand what is, and isn’t, covered.
One important distinction: standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover damage caused by flooding. Flood insurance is typically a separate policy.
Don’t wait until a major storm is approaching to investigate your options. Flood policies can have waiting periods before coverage becomes effective, so it’s worth speaking with your insurance professional ahead of time if you have questions about your property.
Be Ready for a Power Outage
Storm preparation doesn’t have to mean stocking your garage like you’re preparing for a disaster movie.
A few basics can make a power outage much easier to manage:
- Flashlights and fresh batteries
- Portable phone chargers or power banks
- Drinking water and basic food supplies
- Necessary medications
- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Supplies for pets
- An easy-to-access list of emergency contacts
If you have outdoor furniture, umbrellas, or other lightweight items, secure them before high winds arrive.
And if you rely on electrically powered medical equipment or have an older family member living alone, it’s especially important to have a backup plan.
Know Your Property’s Particular Risks
Every South Bay home is different.
A house near the Esplanade may have very different concerns than a hillside property in Palos Verdes or a home on a flatter residential street in Torrance.
Older homes may have aging roofs, drainage systems, or windows that haven’t been tested by significant rainfall in years. Homes on slopes may need additional attention to drainage and soil stability. Properties near the coast may need to consider high surf and coastal flooding.
Understanding the vulnerabilities of your particular property is one of the best ways to prepare.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
One of the advantages of living in Southern California is that we don’t spend every winter dealing with severe weather. The downside is that it’s easy to forget about storm preparation until the rain is already coming down.
Before this winter’s storms arrive, take an hour or two to walk around your property, clear drains, check gutters, look at trees and landscaping, and identify anything that might become a problem after several inches of rain.
And if you’re a South Bay homeowner, I’d love to know: What’s on your storm-preparation checklist? Is there something you’ve learned from previous El Niño years that other homeowners should know?
This article is intended for general informational purposes only. For questions about flood risk, insurance coverage, trees, drainage, roofing, or structural concerns, consult the appropriate qualified professional.