City Prepares, but No Panic Over El Nino

The city is preparing for the possibility of heavy rainfall this winter by clearing storm drains, stocking up on sandbags and creating emergency communications plans.

Much of the work is seasonal, but extra attention is being paid to the possibility of heavy rain from El Nino weather conditions.

“We’re doing what we normally would do for seasons plus some additional things,” said Victor Rollinger, public services director.

Rollinger, citing a report from Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego that says there is a strong possibility that rainfall will be normal this year, said the city is cautiously preparing but is hardly in a panic.