NewsABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)November 1, 2026San Francisco County
San Mateo County deploys new radar system to improve storm forecasting ahead of El Niño winter
Photo: ABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)
San Mateo County is deploying a new six-radar system developed by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to better detect low-altitude atmospheric rivers and provide up to an hour of advance warning for severe winter storms. Officials attribute the heightened flooding risk to El Niño conditions, king tides, climate change, and warmer coastal waters that intensify precipitation. Separately, U.S. Representative Kevin Mullin has introduced federal legislation aimed at improving localized safety alerts ahead of major storms.
Read the full story at ABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)Why It Matters
Residents could receive up to an hour of additional advance notice before severe flooding and storms hit, enabling targeted emergency alerts for the most vulnerable communities.
Key Facts
- San Mateo County is deploying a new radar system featuring six new radars designed specifically for the region.
- The technology was developed by Western Weather and Water Extremes at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
- Atmospheric river systems often flow within a few thousand feet of the surface, causing standard National Weather Service radars to shoot over them.
- The new radars can detect low-altitude atmospheric rivers before they hit, providing up to an hour of advance notice for emergency managers.
- Advanced notice allows emergency managers to send targeted alerts to communities facing the highest risk of flooding.
- Officials warn that flooding this winter could be more severe and recent high-tide events have already inundated a county park within minutes.
- Warmer coastal waters add heat and moisture to the air, intensifying precipitation from incoming atmospheric rivers.
- U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin has introduced federal legislation aimed at improving safety alerts ahead of major storms.
- County officials urge residents not to rely solely on the new system and to continue taking steps to prepare for future storms.
Who's Mentioned
PersonKevin Mullin“U.S. Representative who introduced federal legislation regarding storm safety al”locationBay Area“Region containing various communities impacted differently by storms.”OrganizationScripps Institution of Oceanography“Developed the new radar system through its Center for Western Weather and Water ”OrganizationUC San Diego“University housing the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.”locationCalifornia“State experiencing variable community impacts from major storms.”locationSan Mateo County“Local government deploying the new radar system.”OrganizationSan Mateo County Department of Emergency Management“County department utilizing the new technology for emergency response.”OrganizationNational Weather Service“Federal agency providing standard weather information that the new radars will s”PersonF. Martin Ralph“Director of the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at the Scripps Ins”PersonRyan Reynolds“Assistant director for the San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management.”