Winter Storm Preparedness

Berkeley residents and businesses can prepare before winter storms arrive. To protect your home or business from flooding: 

• Clear your storm drains
• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Make sure sump pumps are in working order
• Pick up free sandbags from the City's Corporation Yard (residents only).

Turn around, don’t drown: Severe storms in Berkeley often cause flooding in intersections and roadways. Remember, it is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road. 

Every winter, storms in our region cause flooding, knock down trees and branches, and damage power lines. The City takes many steps to prepare, including clearing storm drains, upgrading vulnerable infrastructure, pruning street trees, and providing the latest information to the community. 

Know where to get information before, during, and after storms and other emergencies

Sign up for emergency alerts.

Additionally, visit the following sources:

• City of Berkeley Twitter
• City of Berkeley News Releases and subscribe to email newsletter

Learn more about storm safety and flood prevention 

• El Niño preparedness workshop presentation and video of workshop (December 10, 2015) 
• El Niño preparedness guides
• Downed power line safety 
• Free disaster readiness training
• Adopt-a-drain program 

The work the City and its partners are doing to prepare for winter storms is part of a broader, integrated effort to advance Berkeley's resilience in the face of climate change and other physical, social and economic challenges. A resilience approach to storm water management include the rain garden and permeable pavement projects that the City is installing throughout the City. These projects not only help to mitigate flooding, but also remove pollutants from storm water and help beautify the neighborhood. Learn more about Berkeley’s resilience efforts.