Storm Season Is Coming: How Long Beach & Southern California Homeowners Can Prepare
Southern California may be known for sunshine, but when significant rain, wind and coastal weather arrive, our homes can be put to the test very quickly. For homeowners in Long Beach and throughout Southern California, storm season is also one of the best times to discover how well your property actually handles water.
Recent conditions are a timely reminder. As of late September 2026, the National Weather Service has highlighted coastal flooding and high-surf concerns for portions of the Los Angeles County coast, with Long Beach—particularly the Peninsula and Belmont Shore—among areas of concern. National Weather Service
At Elevate Inspections, we inspect thousands of building components throughout the year, and water is one of the biggest factors that can turn a relatively small maintenance issue into an expensive repair.
Here are some things every homeowner should check before the next storm arrives.
1. Clean Your Gutters & Check Your Downspouts
Your roof may be doing its job perfectly, but if your gutters are packed with leaves, dirt and debris, rainwater has nowhere to go.
Before a storm, clean your gutters and make sure downspouts are securely attached. Watch where each downspout terminates. Ideally, water should be directed away from the foundation, not dumped directly alongside the house.
FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program specifically recommends clearing gutters and downspouts before potential flooding to help prevent water accumulation and overflow. FloodSmart
Elevate Tip: The next time it rains, grab an umbrella and safely walk around your property. Look at your gutters and downspouts while they're actually working. Overflowing gutters, leaking seams and water collecting against the house are much easier to identify during rain.
2. Look for Pooling Water Around Your Home
Rain gives homeowners an opportunity to see something that's difficult to evaluate on a sunny Southern California afternoon: where does the water actually go?
After or during a moderate rain, look around your property for:
Standing or pooling water near the foundation
Water flowing toward the house instead of away from it
Overflowing area drains
Water collecting in side yards
Ponding around patios and walkways
Water entering garages or crawlspaces
Soil erosion around the property
Small drainage problems may go unnoticed for years during dry weather.
3. Check Your Roof Before the Rain Does
Don't wait until you see a stain on the ceiling.
From the ground, look for visibly damaged, displaced or missing roofing materials. Check around roof penetrations such as plumbing vents, chimneys, skylights and other areas where flashing or sealants may deteriorate.
Flat and low-slope roofs deserve particular attention because blocked drainage points can allow water to pond.
Never climb onto a wet roof yourself. Wet roofing materials can become extremely slippery, and some roofing materials—especially tile—can also be damaged by improper foot traffic.
4. Don't Forget the Attic
Your attic can sometimes tell you about a roof problem before your ceiling does.
After significant rainfall, look for signs such as:
Water staining • damp wood • active dripping • wet insulation • musty odors • elevated moisture
If you notice something suspicious, address it early. Water intrusion that continues unnoticed can contribute to damaged building materials and conditions conducive to microbial growth.
5. Clear Your Property's Drains
Southern California homes often rely on yard drains, area drains, driveway drains and underground drainage systems to move stormwater away from the property.
Check visible drain openings before the rain arrives. Leaves, landscaping debris, dirt and sediment can prevent them from functioning properly.
And don't assume a drain is working simply because you can see it. During rainfall, observe whether water is actually entering the drain or backing up around it.
6. Pay Attention to Doors, Windows & Exterior Walls
Wind-driven rain can expose weaknesses that ordinary rainfall doesn't.
Look around windows and exterior doors for deteriorated sealant, gaps or previous signs of moisture intrusion. Inspect exterior siding, stucco and trim for cracks, deterioration or openings where water could enter.
One small opening doesn't necessarily mean there's a major problem, but maintaining the exterior envelope is an important part of protecting your home from moisture.
7. Secure Your Yard Before Strong Winds Arrive
Patio furniture, umbrellas, trash cans, toys, decorations and lightweight outdoor equipment can become hazards during strong winds.
Bring loose objects indoors or secure them before the weather deteriorates. The CDC similarly recommends bringing outdoor possessions inside or securing them when flooding or severe weather threatens. CDC
While you're outside, look at mature trees for obviously broken, hanging or damaged limbs, particularly those located over the home, driveway or utility lines.
8. Know Where Your Main Shutoffs Are
Every homeowner should know the location of their:
Main water shutoff • electrical panel • gas shutoff
You don't want your first time looking for them to be during an emergency.
If flooding reaches electrical equipment, however, don't enter standing water to access a panel. Electrical hazards can be extremely dangerous. The CDC recommends being prepared to shut off utilities when conditions warrant it, while prioritizing personal safety. CDC
9. Check Your Garage & Crawlspace
These areas can be easy to overlook.
For homes with crawlspaces, check accessible areas after substantial rainfall for signs of water entry, excessive dampness or standing water.
In garages, pay attention to water entering underneath the garage door, along walls or through penetrations.
A little water appearing repeatedly in the same location is worth investigating. It may be telling you something about the property's drainage or exterior waterproofing.
10. Use the Rain as a Home Inspection
Here's one of our favorite homeowner tips:
Don't just stay inside when it rains—observe your house.
Provided conditions are safe, walk the property with an umbrella and see how it performs.
Where is the water coming from?
Where is it going?
Are the gutters overflowing?
Are the drains keeping up?
Is water pooling against the foundation?
Is anything leaking?
Then, after the storm passes, walk through the interior, attic, garage and accessible crawlspace looking for signs of moisture.
A rainy day can reveal conditions that might be completely invisible during months of dry Southern California weather.
For Long Beach Homeowners: Pay Extra Attention Near the Coast
Coastal Long Beach has additional considerations. Current National Weather Service information notes that elevated surf and high tides can produce coastal flooding, particularly in vulnerable low-lying areas, with the Peninsula and Belmont Shore specifically identified among areas of concern. National Weather Service
If your property has experienced flooding or water intrusion before, don't wait until water begins rising to prepare. Protect flood-prone property, follow local advisories and never drive or walk through floodwater. Los Angeles County also recommends preparing household emergency supplies and having a plan before severe storms arrive. Water for LA
After the Storm: Look at Your Home Differently
Once the skies clear, don't immediately forget about the rain.
Walk your property again. Look for new stains, damp areas, displaced roofing materials, erosion, clogged drains, standing water and other changes.
Some moisture problems don't become obvious until hours—or even days—after the storm has passed.
And remember: water doesn't always show up directly below where it entered. It can travel along framing, pipes and other building materials before becoming visible inside the home.
A Little Preparation Can Prevent a Much Bigger Problem
You can't control Southern California's weather, but you can make sure your home is better prepared for it.
Regular maintenance of your roof, gutters, drainage, exterior, foundation and plumbing systems can go a long way toward reducing the potential for water-related damage.
And sometimes the best time to learn about your home isn't when the sun is shining.
It's when it rains.
Elevate Inspections
At Elevate Inspections, we help homeowners, buyers, sellers and real estate professionals throughout Long Beach and Southern California better understand their properties—from the roof all the way down to the sewer lateral.
Taking Inspections to New Heights.
