El Niño storm season · San Diego County
El Niño Water Damage Restoration in San Diego
Available 24/7 • Insurance Approved • 60-Minute Response
One storm is enough to flood a home, even in a dry year. If water is coming in right now, call us. A crew is on the way within 60 minutes, and we work with your insurance from the first call.
- Water extraction and drying, most homes dry in 48 hours
- Mold prevention before it starts
- Photo documentation for your insurance claim
60 min
Emergency response
48 hr
Typical dry time
35 years
Serving San Diego
500+
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A+
BBB rating
The El Niño forecast, in plain terms
Last updated: [MONTH DAY, 2026] · refreshed monthly through March
A strong El Niño is likely
Federal forecasters give a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño this fall and winter.
Peak: November to January
The event is projected to reach peak strength between November and January, the heart of our rainy season.
Heavy rain is not guaranteed
Past strong events split: 1997-98 was very wet, 2015-16 was dry overall. That is why we plan for storms, not seasons.
One storm is enough
Seasonal rainfall totals don’t flood homes. Individual storms do. Two recent San Diego winters prove it.
January 2016: a below-average year that still flooded
The 2015-16 season ended drier than normal, yet the first week of January brought flooding across San Diego County, closed parts of Fashion Valley Road and eroded the bluffs on Camino Del Mar.
Photo by Jim Grant
January 2024: the wettest January day on record
On January 22, 2024, San Diego had its wettest January day on record and about 100 homes were affected. Until that day, the season had been well below normal.
Photo By Certified Restoration Inc Team in location -
Columbia Street, San Diego
Water is coming in. What do I do first?
- Stay safe. Keep out of standing water near outlets and appliances. Shut off power to wet areas only if you can do it safely.
- Stop the source. Close the main water shutoff if the leak is from a pipe or fixture.
- Document everything. Take photos and video of every wet room before anything is moved.
- Move valuables. Get electronics, documents and photos to a dry room.
- Call us. The first 24 hours decide how much drywall, flooring and furniture can be saved.
Sleep peacefully tonight. We handle everything with your insurance.
Signs of hidden storm damage
Water travels behind walls and under floors before it shows. Watch for these in the days after heavy rain.
Ceiling stains
Yellow or brown rings mean water is sitting above the drywall.
Wall discoloration
Peeling paint, bubbling or soft spots near windows and baseboards.
Warped floors
Cupped wood, lifting laminate or damp carpet pad.
Musty smells
Mold can start growing on wet materials within 24 to 48 hours.
Insurance basics before the storm
Homeowners policy
Usually covers sudden water damage from inside the home, and sometimes rain that enters through storm damage to the roof.
Flood exclusions
Most policies exclude rising surface water. NFIP flood policies typically have a 30-day waiting period, so buy before the storms.
Condo owners (HO-6)
Your HO-6 covers your unit interior; the HOA master policy covers the structure and common areas.
This is general information, not insurance advice. Review your policy with your agent or broker.
San Diego neighbors we've helped through storms
Free homeowner storm checklist
A one-page list to work through before the next storm: gutters, drains, sump pumps, shutoff locations and what to photograph for insurance. No email required.
Trusted storm resources
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover El Niño water damage?
It depends on how the water gets in. Most standard homeowners policies cover sudden water damage from inside the home, like a burst pipe, and some cover rain that enters through storm damage to the roof. Most do not cover flooding from rising surface water; that requires a separate flood policy. Review your policy or ask your agent before storm season, not after.
When should I buy flood insurance?
Now, before the storms arrive. Policies through the National Flood Insurance Program typically have a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts, so a policy bought during a storm usually will not cover that storm.
What should I do first if water gets into my home?
Stay safe: keep out of standing water near outlets or appliances, and shut off power to affected areas only if you can do it safely. Stop the water source if possible, take photos and video of the damage for your insurer, move valuables to a dry area, and call our 24/7 emergency line.
How quickly can mold grow after water damage?
Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours on wet drywall, carpet and wood. Fast, professional drying is the best way to prevent it, which is why the first day after a storm matters most.
How can I tell if a storm caused hidden water damage?
Watch for ceiling stains, peeling paint, warped floors, wall discoloration and musty smells in the days after heavy rain. Water often travels behind walls and under floors before it shows, so a moisture inspection can find damage you cannot see
Insurance answers are general information, not insurance advice.
Water in your home right now?
A crew can be there in 60 minutes, day or night.