Title
Adoption of Resolution Declaring the Existence of a Local Emergency in Response to the 2026-27 El Niño, Anticipated King Tides, and Winter Storm Impacts, and Authorization of a Supplemental Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Appropriation of $500,000 from the General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance for Storm Preparation and Response. (City Manager 10021030, Project C99400)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Gerry Beaudin, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting a 100 percent chance of a very strong El Niño for the State of California through fall and winter 2026-27, and an 83 percent chance that it will exceed the strength of every El Niño event on record since 1950. El Niño-related elevated coastal water levels are already occurring. Combined with three upcoming king tide cycles and winter storms, these conditions threaten Alameda with coastal flooding, including flooding in areas with little or no flooding history, disrupted access on and off the island, and strain on the City of Alameda's (City) storm drain and pump systems.
Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a statewide State of Emergency on September 21, 2026 (Exhibit 1) to help state and local agencies prepare in advance of the expected impacts.
Staff is recommending that the City Council declare a local emergency in response to the 2026-27 El Niño, anticipated king tides, and winter storm impacts. This declaration will allow the City to use the emergency authorities available under state and local law, support coordination with the County of Alameda and the State, and preserve the City's ability to document costs and seek reimbursement if it becomes available.
BACKGROUND
The 2026-27 El Niño forecast. According to the NWS's mid-October update, El Niño is present and continues to strengthen in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. NWS forecasts a 100 percent chance of a very strong event through the fall and winter, and an 83 percent chan...
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