Choosing Where to Park During an El Niño Storm

Stephen Bennett, Senior Director of Climate Science and Catastrophe Modeling at Mercury Insurance, suggests that simple changes in routine can prevent significant vehicle damage. Drivers should proactively avoid low-lying areas, drainage channels, and spots where water traditionally pools. Even familiar spaces require a fresh assessment, as debris-clogged drains or recent construction can unexpectedly alter local water flow during heavy rainfall.

Vegetation and topography also pose hidden threats. High winds place immense stress on branches, making parking beneath large trees a gamble during storms. Similarly, saturated soil around steep hillsides increases the risk of debris or rocks shifting toward a vehicle. If a garage is available, owners should verify that the structure itself is not prone to flooding or located below street level. Above all, safety must take precedence over property; drivers should never attempt to move a vehicle once water begins to rise. Before any weather event, checking insurance policies for comprehensive coverage—which often accounts for flooding and falling objects—remains a necessary step in disaster readiness.