El Niño phase was declared in summer 2023 and is expected to dissipate in spring 2024. California should expect several atmospheric rivers to bring periods of heavy rainfall with possible flooding, landslides, mud and debris flows, power outages, strong winds and blizzard conditions in the mountains.

Prepare before the storm arrives by signing up for county emergency alerts. Emergency alerts can help save your family, pets, and livestock. They provide you with important information about extreme weather, and other threats in your area.

Other emergency preparedness tips include:

• Have a pet disaster evacuation plan in your family emergency plan. Include temporary lodging for you, your family, and your pets.
• Get emergency and disaster preparedness information. This should be for the counties you live, work, or frequent.
• Livestock and equine owners should create a farm disaster plan.
• If you live in an area within a potential flood zone, do not wait until it is too late.
  • Have feed ready in case animals need to shelter in place. Make sure your livestock has access to food and fresh unfrozen drinking water.
  • Organize supplies for evacuating your animals (to higher ground, or other facilities).
  • Partner with other farms for potential transportation and evacuation needs.
  • Maintain a contact list of available and reliable local haulers.
• Follow all directions from law enforcement. If needed, seek more details from local media or authorities such as the county emergency management websites .