San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie declared a local emergency on Friday, October 23, as the city prepares for El Niño winter hazards including severe storms and coastal flooding, the City and County of San Francisco said in its announcement. The declaration waives certain city contracting requirements so departments can secure flood-protection goods and services more quickly, with the Department of Emergency Management leading the coordination.

Source: City and County of San Francisco (sf.gov)

"Today, I am declaring a local emergency to ensure San Francisco is ready for the severe storms, flooding, and high tides that El Niño could bring this winter," Lurie said. "We are acting now to make sure our departments have the resources they need to protect San Franciscans quickly throughout the season — because the time to prepare for a major storm is before it arrives."

The faster procurement process covers Public Works, the Public Utilities Commission, the Port, the Municipal Transportation Agency, the Recreation and Park Department, San Francisco International Airport and the contract administration office. Departments can buy flood barriers, pumps and generators ahead of the storm season and stock first-aid and shelter supplies and portable restrooms. The declaration also organises city government under the Incident Command System, directs departments to cooperate with the Emergency Operations Center and lets the mayor reallocate funds between departments as needed.

Source: KION Central Coast

20,000+sandbags ready at Public Works
10free sandbags per SF address
$100,000maximum flood-protection grant — yaani about 1 lakh dollars

The city says it is preparing for a potentially record-setting 2026–27 El Niño: heavy rain and wind that can flood streets, bring down trees and disrupt power, plus elevated coastal water levels that can flood shoreline areas during high tides even without rain. The Port is preparing temporary flood barriers in high-risk areas, Public Works has more than 20,000 sandbags ready and is offering residents and businesses up to 10 free sandbags per address, and the Public Utilities Commission has completed about 1.4 miles of sewer and water upgrades on Geary Boulevard to increase capacity and reduce flood risk.

Residents are being urged to sign up for AlertSF by texting their ZIP code to 888-777, check the city's flood-risk map, lift belongings in garages and basements, clear storm drains and ask insurers about flood cover now, because National Flood Insurance Program policies typically take 30 days to take effect. The city advises avoiding unnecessary travel in heavy rain and wind and never driving, walking or biking through floodwater.