Coronado has declared a state of emergency for the potentially record-breaking El Niño anticipated this winter.
The city is currently under an advisory status as Coronado is expected to see a “very serious set of conditions,” according to City Manager Tina Friend.
It’s possible that the city will see flooding, stormwater intrusion, obstruction and overloading of drainage systems and pump stations, damage to buildings and equipment and interruptions in electrical and communications, Friend said at an Oct. 20 meeting.
Making this declaration allows for emergency materials and supplies to be delivered faster to the city. Requests for state and local aid resources can also be expedited.
The state of emergency also allows for reimbursement by FEMA and CalOES for resources spent on preparing and responding to storm-related events.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a strong El Niño is expected to shift the Pacific jet stream, which helps determine temperature and precipitation patterns over the United States and alters the track of winter storms — leading to more precipitation over California and the southern United States.
Adam Young, coastal geomorphologist with Scripps, said El Niño conditions can generate a triple threat for coastal hazards in California.
“Increased rainfall triggers landslides; powerful waves can accelerate erosion of beaches, sea cliffs, and bluffs, and cause coastal flooding; and strong El Niño conditions can raise sea level on the California coast by 15 to 30 centimeters (6-12 inches),” said Young. “Combined, these factors increase coastal erosion and flooding during El Niño events, which can threaten public parks, beaches, critical infrastructure, highways, and homes.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency on Sept. 21 which will help prioritize permits for flood-prevention and mobilize resources before the storm arrives, but it doesn’t cover all the bases for Coronado, said Friend.
San Diego County also declared a local emergency at the end of September which helps prepare county resources and allows for requesting additional state and federal assistance.
NOAA anticipates a very strong El Niño from January to March, but storm conditions could last through May of next year.
Coronado impacts
For Coronado, Friend pointed out multiple risk factors as the season approaches.
The city is mainly a low-lying landform, situated mostly at sea level and surrounded by water with the ocean and the bay. The city’s storm water drainage system is also gravity-fed. Friend said both of these factors can be an issue with a rise in sea level.
The sea level is expected to rise about half-a-foot to a foot above normal with the Kelvin waves that are coming in, the city manager explained. Kelvin waves are a key part of El Niño events, and are warm, subsurface ocean waves that travel across the entire Pacific Ocean, according to NOAA.
All of that combined with a storm surge and extreme rainfall will likely bring a “once in a lifetime upscale event” to the city, Friend said.
To prepare, Coronado will be inspecting and reinforcing emergency storm drains, wastewater systems, utilities and infrastructure; installing temporary pumps, generators and erosion-control methods; and gathering emergency material and supplies.
Friend said the city will hold town halls starting early November to discuss storm preparation at the Cays Homeowners Association, Spreckels Center and Nautilus Room.
