The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center (NOAA CPC) reported on August 13, 2026, that El Niño is strengthening and that there is a greater than 90 percent chance of a very strong El Niño during fall and winter 2026–2027. NOAA’s August 20, 2026 seasonal outlook further states that El Niño’s precipitation effects are expected to increase through the winter, with probabilities of above-normal precipitation exceeding 50 percent across much of coastal California during the core winter months. NOAA specifically cautions that even a very strong El Niño does not guarantee its typical regional impacts. They do, however, support taking reasonable precautions before the rainy season.

Preventative Maintenance

Community associations responsible for building roofs, gutters, downspouts, drains, waterproofing, or other exterior common area components should begin preparing now for the 2026–2027 rainy season. The current climate outlook provides a stronger reason than usual to complete known maintenance and repairs before winter.

From a practical maintenance standpoint, now is the time to arrange for qualified professionals to inspect roofs and waterproofing for damaged materials; complete necessary repairs; clean gutters, scuppers, downspouts, roof drains, area drains, catch basins, and drainage channels; remove leaves and other debris that may obstruct stormwater flow; address recurring leaks and known drainage problems; and get emergency contact information together for trusted vendors. Keep in mind that vendors will schedule emergency services, like tarping, when weather permits. If you don’t make your repairs now, you can expect to be placed in a line of other poorly prepared people waiting for a vendor to be able to stop the leak.

Insurance Review

Boards should also review the Association’s property and liability coverage with the Association’s insurance professional, including applicable deductibles, exclusions, water-intrusion limitations, and flood exclusions. 

Owners, particularly condominium owners, should be reminded to review their individual HO-6 or other applicable coverage for unit interiors, personal property, improvements and betterments, additional living expenses, loss-assessment exposure, and any deductible responsibility allocated by the governing documents or applicable law. The Association’s master policy should not be assumed to cover every category of storm-related loss.

Governing Document Review

Associations should not wait until water is actively entering a home to determine who is responsible for stopping the leak, opening walls or ceilings to obtain access, performing dry-out or remediation work, or repairing the resulting interior damage. Those questions might require a careful review of the CC&Rs. The Association's responsibility for repairing the component that caused a leak does not necessarily mean it is responsible for restoring damaged drywall, flooring, cabinets, finishes, or other portions of the interior. These issues are much easier to address before an emergency occurs.

Associations that do not already have a current maintenance responsibility matrix and/or water intrusion policy should consider asking counsel to prepare them now, so that the Board, management, and emergency vendors have clear guidance when a loss occurs. When water is entering a home, valuable time should be spent stopping the water and mitigating the damage, not waiting for counsel to review the governing documents and determine who is responsible for each part of the repair.