The predictions are that this may be the worst El Niño in history.
By Catholics for Catholics
The Golden state is bracing for what could become the strongest meteorological effect on record.
That’s why California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency Monday as the state prepares for what officials say could become the strongest El Niño ever, according to a story by the New York Post.
The emergency proclamation allows California to mobilize resources ahead of potentially destructive winter storms, including flooding, landslides and coastal erosion, according to KTLA.
Triggered by abnormally warm waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean that can change storm tracks and bring wetter, more powerful winters to California, El Niño is a natural climate pattern.
“Currently, the evolving El Niño event is already breaking records, and forecasters expect it to continue to strengthen, potentially becoming the strongest in recorded history,” Newsom’s office said.
Indeed, the predictions sound, well, not good. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center says there is now a greater than 90% chance of a “very strong” El Niño during fall and winter, along with a 75% chance the event reaches historic strength between October and December, exceeding previous events dating back to 1950.
Nevertheless, the description does not mean California is certain to receive an onslaught of storms. But stronger El Niño events increase the chances of weather typically associated with the phenomenon, including heavy rain, flooding, powerful waves and coastal erosion.
Gov. Newsom said Monday’s declaration is intended to give communities more resources before severe weather arrives.
“We are not waiting for this season’s storms to be on our doorstep,” California Office of Emergency Services Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs said.
“By planning early and coordinating resources ahead of El Niño, we are working to ensure communities and first responders have the personnel, equipment, and support they need to prepare for severe weather, respond quickly when conditions change, and protect lives and property across California.”
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