California Distributes Sandbags Ahead of Wet Winter

State and local agencies are handing out millions of sandbags as a record El Niño tilts the odds toward heavier-than-average winter rain.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Current Conditions

Tan sandbags stacked in a staggered pattern on dark plastic sheeting at the base of a concrete wall, with wet valley ground and golden hills behind. — California agencies began distributing millions of sandbags Tuesday as a record El Niño raises the odds of a wetter-than-average winter and heightened flood risk. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Have you already taken steps to protect your home from this winter's flooding risk?

California and local agencies are distributing millions of sandbags ahead of potential flooding, as a record-setting El Niño tilts the odds toward a wetter-than-average winter. Sandbag distribution is scheduled ahead of heavy potential rains.

Why it matters

The wetter-than-average winter forecast raises the risk of flooding for homes and properties, and sandbags are a common tool to guide water away from doors, garage entries, and low-lying vents.

The distribution figure reflects a government and agency preparation effort against a seasonal forecast, not observed rainfall. Sandbags effectively divert shallow, slow-moving water up to two feet deep but do not stop storm surges or fast-moving water, and the total rainfall amount remains unknown.

The details

Bags should be filled halfway to two-thirds full and tied at the top, then staggered and stacked like bricks on plastic sheeting with the plastic tucked over the second or third layer. Sandbags should not be stacked past three layers unless built in a pyramid shape, and combining them with plastic sheeting blocks seepage more effectively than sandbags alone, which do not create a completely watertight seal.

Nov. 5: Article on sandbag distribution and flood preparation published.
Winter: Heavy potential rains and scheduled high tides are expected.

Seasonal Patterns

The record-setting El Niño that tilts this winter toward heavier rain places California's preparations in line with the seasonal pattern forecasters are tracking. The outlook reflects a broader pattern in which El Niño winters have brought above-average precipitation to the state, making early flood preparation a recurring seasonal step.

Fill sandbags halfway to two-thirds full, tie them at the top, and stack them in staggered layers over plastic sheeting to guide water away from doors, garage entries, and low-lying vents. Keep sandbags to no more than three layers unless built in a pyramid shape, and remember they will not hold back storm surges or fast-moving water.

The takeaway

Sandbags work best on shallow, slow-moving water and are most effective when paired with plastic sheeting, so households in flood-prone areas should combine both before heavy rains arrive.