The super El Niño could cause torrential rainstorms. Americans may need to stock up on food to prepare, experts say.

Scientists are warning that this year's exceptionally strong El Niño phenomenon could bring record-breaking extreme weather to various parts of the world. Earlier this month, Dame Angela Eagle, the U.K. Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, advised people to stock up on basic supplies like food, bottled water and other essentials to prepare for potential severe storms this winter.

During an El Niño event, parts of the U.K. typically experience wetter-than-average conditions in the fall and early winter, with stormy weather expected from November to January. Similar heavy rainfall is forecasted for some parts of the U.S. during the winter season.

However, El Niño could also lead to a surge in food prices, making it more challenging for people to afford their basic necessities. According to Michael Hinge, a senior economist at the Alliance to Feed the Earth in Disasters (ALLFED), El Niño events are often associated with food price inflation in the historical record. While keeping reasonable household supplies can help offset short-term disruptions, this becomes increasingly difficult if food becomes less affordable.

This particular El Niño is predicted to be the strongest on record, with sea surface temperatures in the Niño 3.4 region of the Pacific Ocean reaching up to 5.7°F (3.15°C) above average. As global temperatures continue to rise due to human-induced climate change, the impact of this year's El Niño could have far-reaching consequences, potentially causing serious disruptions to food access for months or even years to come.