The Triple Threat Facing Western States: APCIA Asks Are You Prepared for a Flood

October 21, 2026

Super El Niño, powerful Kelvin waves and seasonal King Tides are converging, increasing the risk of flooding, coastal erosion and property damage.

SACRAMENTO, CA. As communities across California and the West recover from flooding and coastal damage caused by Tropical Storm Rachel, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is urging consumers to prepare now for a potentially heightened flood and storm season.

The Eastern Pacific hurricane season continues through November 30, and meteorologists are monitoring a combination of factors that could increase the risk of flooding and coastal impacts in the weeks and months ahead. A Super El Niño, ongoing oceanic Kelvin waves, and the arrival of seasonal King Tides are combining to raise sea levels and increase the potential for damaging coastal flooding during future storms.

While no one can predict whether additional tropical systems will affect the West Coast, experts warn that these conditions could amplify flooding, storm surge, beach erosion, and heavy rainfall impacts through the remainder of hurricane season and into the winter storm season.

"Rachel demonstrated how quickly flooding and coastal impacts can occur when storms interact with unusually warm ocean waters and elevated sea levels," said Karen Collins, vice president of property and environmental for APCIA. "While every storm is different, many of the conditions that contributed to recent flooding remain in place and could intensify over the coming months. The time to prepare is before the next storm develops."

Understanding the Triple Threat Driving Flood Risk

Several oceanic and climate conditions are converging this fall and winter, creating an environment that could increase flood risks for coastal and inland communities across California and the Pacific Coast.

Super El Niño: More Heat, More Moisture, More Energy

Exceptionally warm Pacific Ocean temperatures provide more fuel for storm systems and contribute to rising sea levels as water expands when it warms.

Kelvin Waves: Raising Sea Levels Along the Coast

Kelvin waves are large masses of unusually warm water moving across the Pacific. These waves can temporarily elevate coastal sea levels, increasing the likelihood that high tides and storms will cause flooding.

King Tides: The Year's Highest Tides

King Tides are naturally occurring periods of exceptionally high tides caused by the alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun. When combined with elevated sea levels and storm activity, they can significantly worsen coastal flooding and erosion.

Individually, each of these factors can increase flood risk. Together, they create a powerful combination that can magnify flooding impacts, coastal erosion, storm surge, and damage to homes, businesses, vehicles, and critical infrastructure.

Why Consumers Should Act Now

Rachel provided a reminder that significant damage can occur even without a direct hurricane landfall. Flooding, coastal erosion, roadway damage, and property losses can result from elevated water levels, heavy rainfall, and powerful waves associated with tropical systems.

Consumers should also recognize that flood risk extends well beyond beachfront communities. Inland flooding remains one of the most common and costly consequences of severe weather, affecting urban areas, neighborhoods near creeks and rivers, and locations with limited drainage capacity.

"When warmer oceans, elevated sea levels, and seasonal King Tides all occur at the same time, even routine storms can have greater impacts," Collins said. "Taking a few preparedness steps today can help protect your family, your home, your vehicle, and your financial security tomorrow."

Flood Insurance: The Clock Is Ticking

Many consumers are surprised to learn that standard homeowners, renters, and condominium insurance policies generally do not cover flood damage.

Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private insurers, but most policies include a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect. That means consumers who wait until a storm is in the forecast may be too late to obtain protection for that event.

With peak King Tide periods approaching and hurricane season continuing through November, APCIA encourages consumers to review their insurance needs now while there is still time to prepare.

Steps Consumers Can Take Now

APCIA encourages residents and business owners to take the following actions before severe weather arrives:

Protect Against Flooding

• Review your flood risk, even if you are not in a designated flood zone.
• Consider purchasing flood insurance before storm threats emerge.
• Clear gutters, storm drains, and drainage pathways around your property.
• Move valuables and important documents above potential flood levels.
• Prepare sandbags or other temporary flood barriers if your property is vulnerable to flooding.

Protect Against Wind Damage

• Inspect and repair loose or damaged roofing materials.
• Trim tree branches that could fall onto structures during high winds.
• Secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and other loose items.
• Reinforce garage doors and entry points where appropriate.

Conduct an Auto, Homeowners & Business Insurance Checkup

APCIA recommends homeowners and business owners review their policies annually to ensure coverage reflects current rebuilding costs and individual needs.

Consumers should review:

• Dwelling coverage limits and replacement cost protection
• Personal property coverage
• Additional living expenses (ALE) coverage
• Deductibles and key exclusions
• Flood insurance needs
• Home or business inventory documentation, including photos and videos

Drivers should also consider maintaining comprehensive auto coverage, which may help protect against certain storm-related losses, including flooding and falling objects.

Prepare Your Family

• Assemble an emergency supply kit.
• Review evacuation routes and local emergency plans.
• Sign up for community weather alerts and emergency notifications.
• Keep copies of insurance information and critical documents in a secure location.