TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Ryan J Alsop, County Executive Officer
REPORT BY: Brian Garcia, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service SF Bay Area
SUBJECT: Winter Storm Season Briefing from National Weather Service
RECOMMENDATION
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Receive a presentation from Brian Garcia, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service SF Bay Area, on the 2026-2027 winter storm season outlook and potential impacts to Napa County. (No Fiscal Impact)
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BACKGROUND
The National Weather Service will brief the Board of Supervisors on the winter storm season outlook, including the current El Niño forecast, expected precipitation patterns, and the potential for atmospheric river events, flooding, wind, and related hazards. The Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a strong El Niño, with elevated odds of above-normal precipitation for coastal California that are expected to peak between January and March 2027. A strong El Niño raises the likelihood of wet conditions but does not guarantee any specific storm or flood event.
The presentation will cover the seasonal outlook, how the National Weather Service issues watches, warnings, and advisories, and how County and city partners can use that information in their operational decisions. County staff, including the Public Works, Sheriff/OES and Fire, will be available to respond to questions on local preparedness and coordination efforts.
Napa County is exposed to slow-rise flooding on the Napa River and to flash flooding on smaller creeks and drainages, as well as landslides, wind damage, and power outages during significant storm events. This briefing supports the Board’s awareness of seasonal conditions ahead of the peak storm period and reinforces the County’s coordination with the National Weather Service and its local and regional emergency management partners.
FISCAL IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
No |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
There is no mandate to receive a winter storm season weather briefing |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The recommended action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 because it consists of an informational presentation with no potential for resulting in a direct or indirect physical change to the environment.