County maintenance teams are working to inspect and clear thousands of drainage culverts throughout unincorporated areas as part of their year-round infrastructure efforts.
The work, which takes place before, during, and after each rainy season, has taken on added urgency with weather forecasters predicting a strong El Niño pattern in the coming months.
County officials say the routine maintenance is critical to keeping water flowing properly through the drainage system and preventing flooding during heavy rainfall events.