The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are approaching their one-month anniversary of being back in the UK, and while they are settling into country life here, it's all go in their neighbourhood back in America.
The family has a sprawling estate in Montecito, and the area is currently undergoing work, most notably the Highway 101 construction. After concerns were expressed regarding the site exacerbating weather issues brought by the El Niño conditions, officials have tried to reassure the public.
As reported by News Press, Caltrans Office Chief Joe Erwin said: "From the freeway perspective, we have as much drainage as we can put in to handle whatever comes onto it."
However, he then continued: "To say that it’s one hundred per cent flood-proof, I don’t think the entire region can handle major significant flooding, those fifty-year storms," Erwin said. "It overwhelms everything."
What is El Niño?
El Niño is the unusual warming of surface waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, which can bring with it adverse weather conditions.
The impact of the situation can be witnessed worldwide with hotter-than-average temperatures during the phenomenon. Australia is then subject to drought conditions, heatwaves, and heightened risk of severe wildfires. Meanwhile, America is faced with increased rainfall, flood risk, and heavy storms at this time.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesFire risk in Montecito
As well as flooding and mudslide issues in winter, Harry and Meghan's suburb is subject to wildfires in summer. Emergency services have been proactive in the area, recently installing two temporary firefighter housing locations, funded by the Montecito Fire Department and Montecito Water District, that can be activated during periods of elevated fire danger.
During the horrific LA fires in 2025, the Sussexes opened their Montecito home to loved ones who were forced to evacuate, HELLO! previously confirmed.
© Getty ImagesThe pair donated clothing, children’s items, and other essential supplies to those affected by the fires, and have been in direct contact with chef José Andrés and his World Central Kitchen, which provides meals to communities in the wake of natural disasters, to offer assistance where needed.
The Palisades Fire began on 7 January last year and forced the evacuation of at least 30,000 residents in the affluent community where many Hollywood A-listers live. Stars who lost their homes in the fires include Paris Hilton, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, Anna Faris and Mel Gibson.
