Preparing for El Niño: What homeowners should do ahead of rainy weather this winter

7 On Your Side Preparing for El Niño: What homeowners should do ahead of rainy weather this winter A powerful El Niño could batter the Bay Area and beyond this winter. 7 On Your Side's Stephanie Sierra has tips protect your home. By Stephanie Sierra , Justin Mendoza Tuesday, November 10, 2026 5:57AM Share SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- El Niño could break records this winter with strong winds and heavy rain, that could bring major flooding this winter. We recently reported on flood insurance . Remember if you don't have it, it can take 30 days for coverage to take effect. MORE: Do you have flood insurance? Here's what to consider ahead of potentially historic El Niño winter So, what should homeowners do before a big storm? First, look at your homeowners insurance policy. See what it actually covers and, very important, the exclusions. Second, flood insurance is not covered by most home insurance policies, so it's best to check with your insurance agent or FEMA for policies. El Niño Effect: How climate pattern could reshape California's winter Third, safely check your gutters and drainage. This includes removing debris, so water can flow freely. And have a professional check your roof to see if there are any missing or lifted shingles, which protect your home from leaks. Lastly, ahead of a storm, be sure to take pictures and video of the risk areas on your property. Insurers often use earth movement as an exclusion — so having proof showing before and after will help you fight for coverage. Take a look at more stories and videos by 7 On Your Side. 7OYS's consumer hotline is a free consumer mediation service for those in the San Francisco Bay Area. We assist individuals with consumer-related issues; we cannot assist on cases between businesses, or cases involving family law, criminal matters, landlord/tenant disputes, labor issues, or medical issues. Please review our FAQ here . As a part of our process in assisting you, it is necessary that we contact the company / agency you are writing about. If we believe we can be of assistance, we will reach back out in response. California voters reject Prop 40, a measure to tax the wealth of billionaires 3 hours ago 18-year-old suspect will not be charged in deadly Moss Landing shooting, barring new evidence: DA 2 burned after boiler explosion forces evacuations at Walnut Creek senior living facility Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics SAN FRANCISCO 7 ON YOUR SIDE EL NINO WEATHER FLOODING INSURANCE CONSUMER CONSUMER CONCERNS STORM 7 On Your Side Resolves: 99-year-old Bay Area man missing $30,000 $4M SF home raided in squatting investigation Disabled North Bay man stranded for months awaiting a wheelchair Navy Federal Credit Union settles suit; here's how to file a claim Live Streams ON NOW California voters reject measure to tax the wealth of billionaires 3 hours ago Suspect will not be charged in deadly Moss Landing shooting: DA 2 burned after boiler explosion at East Bay senior living facility Bay Area rappers hold benefit for Fairfield woman missing for months 27 minutes ago 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk reinstated by NFL Polly Klaas' sisters back Newsom's death row decision 24 minutes ago SF gives final approval to Marina Safeway redevelopment project How El Niño is impacting the dense fog blanketing the Bay Area