Encinitas residents face heightened coastal erosion and flooding risk after San Diego County proclaimed a local emergency Wednesday, Sept. 30, ahead of a potentially record-breaking El Niño season.

The declaration lets county crews respond faster to flooding, landslides, debris flows and infrastructure damage. It follows Gov. Gavin Newsom's Sept. 21 statewide emergency proclamation, which directed state agencies to stage supplies and protect vulnerable communities.

The county's El Niño Information Hub lists coastal erosion, flooding in low-lying urban areas, mudslides, stormwater system strain and power outages among the potential local impacts. Scripps Institution of Oceanography researcher Adam Young has warned that strong El Niño conditions can raise sea levels along the California coast by six to 13 inches. Powerful waves can then accelerate erosion of beaches, sea cliffs and bluffs, Young said, as reported by the New York Post.

The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center puts the chance of a strong El Niño this fall and winter above 90%. A Sept. 10 NOAA update gave a 75% probability the event will exceed every El Niño recorded since 1950, according to agricultural outlet Agrolatam.

County Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton said the early action is meant to save lives and property by strengthening the county's ability to communicate and deliver resources, according to the County News Center.

San Diego County Emergency Services Director Daryl Arbuthnott was more direct in an interview with CBS 8.

"We hope we're wrong … If we're right, we're going to be in the best position to help folks survive whatever may come," Arbuthnott said.

County supervisors voiced support for the proclamation. Supervisor Jim Desmond, who represents District 5, said the work done before rain starts is what keeps people safe. Supervisor Paloma Aguirre referenced the January 2024 floods that devastated neighborhoods in her District 1 and held a town hall Sept. 30 to discuss emergency readiness.

County Public Works crews are already clearing storm drains, channels and culverts. High-priority flood-prone locations are being inspected, and additional personnel and equipment are being prepositioned for rapid response, according to the county's information hub. The county's Emergency Operations Center will activate as needed to coordinate with cities and regional partners.

Free sand and sandbags are available at county and CAL FIRE stations across the region. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts, report non-emergency storm damage through the Tell Us Now app and check flood and landslide risk zones near their homes at AlertSanDiego.org.