California Braces for Super El Niño This Winter
California Braces for Super El Niño This Winter
US · Published Sep 23, 2026
Forecasters predict a 'super' El Niño event with a 75% chance of being the strongest since 1950, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center.
This climate pattern, characterized by warmer ocean waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific, is expected to bring a wet and potentially punishing winter to California later this year.

Impact & Risks

The anticipated super El Niño could lead to widespread flooding, debris flows, and high winds across California, particularly in areas near hillsides, canyons, burn scars, and flood-prone zones. Los Angeles County is already removing sediment from reservoirs to maximize water-catching capacity and prevent floods. Residents living in vulnerable areas are advised to prepare evacuation plans and secure their properties. The event may also disrupt transportation and infrastructure, with risks of road washouts and power outages. Experts warn that even areas not traditionally prone to flooding could face significant challenges due to climate change-driven convective storms.

Related News