San Clemente and Dana Point prepare for El Niño storms

San Clemente and Dana Point are preparing for anticipated El Niño storms with emergency declarations and protective measures as coastal damage and a recent wildfire compound flooding concerns, according to Voice of OC.

The preparations come as the cities face expectations of heavy rain and high tides through March, following storms that damaged homes and eroded beaches. In San Clemente, a recent wildfire also left hillsides vulnerable to runoff and mudslides.

The San Clemente City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to keep its Hurricane Marie emergency declaration in effect and declare an emergency after Tropical Storm Rachel, Voice of OC reported.

A wildfire burned 570 acres in San Clemente the week before publication. Crews cleared drains and positioned sandbags around the burn scar to reduce the risk of debris blocking drainage and triggering mudslides, according to the report.

San Clemente Community Development Director Adam Atamian said city staff were tracking weather and tides, using sand berms and sandbags, evaluating infrastructure damage and coordinating with regional agencies. Staff also were recording emergency response and recovery expenses.

In Dana Point, emergency declarations cover Beach Road in the Capo Bay district rather than the entire city. The declarations allow the city to secure resources without competitive bidding and impose a curfew if needed, according to Voice of OC.

Dana Point City Clerk Shayna Sharke reported 10 homes with red tags, meaning they were unsafe to enter, and 13 with yellow tags indicating concerning damage. As of Oct. 19, two affected homes had been demolished and another was slated for demolition, Sharke said.

Dana Point residents can obtain 10 filled sandbags from the city, according to Voice of OC. The city is not constructing sand berms on beaches or coastal properties owned by the county or state.