California has experienced some of its most memorable and destructive winters during strong El Niño events. The phenomenon often brings above-average rainfall to Southern California, increasing the risk of landslides, flooding, and coastal erosion. For example, during the very strong El Niño events of 1982-83 and 1997-98, Los Angeles received more than double its usual annual rainfall. Additionally, warmer ocean waters associated with El Niño can exacerbate marine heatwaves, impacting marine ecosystems and potentially increasing sightings of tropical species like sharks along the California coast.