A record-level super El Niño is expected to hit California this fall, driven by higher ocean surface temperatures. As a result, the East Bay may see more rain, warm weather and higher sea levels, with a risk of severe storms as early as late October or early November.
This could mean the risk of floods, mudslides, strong winds toppling trees, and even fire caused by lightning. So, how should homeowners, sellers and buyers in the East Bay respond?
The Risks
Back-to-back storms and saturated ground increase the danger of local mudslides or foundation shifting in sloped East Bay neighborhoods.
Flooding can be exacerbated by Kelvin waves and king tides, which are already flagged for late November and late December.
Properties not near a flood zone could still see pluvial flooding in which sea level surges push water into local storm drains, causing backups into residential streets.
When the region experiences 2+ feet of water level rise, areas such as Alameda, Downtown Oakland, Jack London Square and East Oakland could experience flooding.
Get Prepared
The best way to protect your home is to address potential issues now. This could include clearing out gutters, patching up roofs and trimming trees so creeks or roads don’t get backed up during a storm or high tide.
If there is a risk of flooding, invest in sandbags. Many East Bay cities offer disaster preparedness resources, including Berkeley, Oakland, Piedmont and El Cerrito/Kensington.
Also be prepared for power outages which could entail backup batteries, flashlights, food and a “go bag.”
Talk to your insurance broker to see if you are sufficiently covered in the case of loss.
Buyer and Seller Response
Home values can be affected by historical flood zones and drainage health. If you are a buyer or seller:
Buyers should be sure to use comprehensive property risk reports and gauge risk, such as the condition of the roof and negative grading, where the ground slopes towards a foundation.
Sellers should consider addressing deferred maintenance before coming to market. This can be particularly important if listing during the first 4 months of the year, which is often considered the strongest market of the year.
Want to discuss how the potential weather changes may affect your home or real estate goals. Reach out to chat.
