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A dramatic El Niño effect is headed for the West Coast
USA Today • • nation
Key Points:
- A historic and potentially strongest El Niño on record is expected to intensify atmospheric rivers along the West Coast, especially California, leading to more intense storms and heavy precipitation.
- Atmospheric rivers are long corridors of water vapor that can stretch thousands of miles and are responsible for up to 65% of extreme rain and snow events in the western U.S., often causing flooding and damage.
- The first atmospheric river storms are likely to begin in mid-November, with the most frequent and intense events expected in January and February.
- Recent storms linked to El Niño, such as remnants of Hurricane Rachel, have already caused flooding and damage in Southern California and the Southwest, with more tropical activity and heavy precipitation anticipated through the winter.
- Experts warn Californians to prepare for increased risks of beach erosion, flooding, and strong winds this winter due to powerful atmospheric rivers fueled by El Niño conditions.
