{
  "id": 13596484,
  "title": "California El Nino latest forecast: When will it hit and how to prepare",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/california-el-nino-latest-forecast-when-will-it-hit-and-how-to-prepare",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-11T00:07:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times - World News",
    "slug": "hindustan-times-world-news",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/california-el-nino-latest-forecast-when-will-it-hit-and-how-to-prepare-101791674973202.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "California is anticipating a potentially record-breaking El Nino winter, with heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides, and high waves along the coast. The 2026-27 El Nino is projected to bring more than 90% chances of a very strong event, and a 75% chance of one of historic strength. Climate scientist John O'Brien stated that the likelihood of an average winter is very low.\n\nThe effects of this El Nino have already begun, with the US National Weather Service issuing coastal flood advisories for the San Francisco Bay Area for the first time in September. Southern California's coast experienced powerful waves that damaged homes and eroded beaches. The North American Multi-Model Ensemble forecasts predict above-normal rain across California from December through April, with the European Center for Medium-Range Forecasts estimating twice as much rain as normal from December through at least February.\n\nAreas most vulnerable to extreme rainfall include Los Angeles, San Diego, and coastal communities such as Malibu, Seal Beach, Oceanside, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Del Mar. Inland regions like downtown Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, and Chula Vista could experience flash flooding, while hillside communities like Monrovia may face mudslides and debris flows if strong atmospheric rivers bring heavy rain. The El Nino is expected to cause an additional foot of sea level rise in California, on top of the 8 to 12 inches already elevated due to climate change over the past century.\n\nIn preparation for this extreme weather, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on September 21, ensuring supplies are available for communities before the weather hits and the National Guard is on standby for flood response and search and rescue operations. State agencies have been instructed to prepare roads and critical infrastructure.\n\nEfforts are underway in various locations to strengthen coastal defenses and protect vulnerable areas. In Long Beach, the seawall has been reinforced with sandbags, while about 690,000 cubic yards of sand are being added along the coastline in Orange County. In San Diego, door-to-door assistance is being provided to small businesses in flood zones to help them secure their buildings.\n\nTo stay safe during this potentially devastating El Nino, residents are advised to sign up for emergency alerts from their city or county, monitor their flood risk and recent wildfire areas, create an evacuation plan with designated routes and safe locations, and keep an emergency kit with essential supplies. Above all, it is crucial never to drive through floodwater, as it may be deeper and faster than anticipated, with potential damage to the road beneath.",
  "summary": "California is preparing for a very strong El Nino, with heavy rain and floods expected from December 2026. Here is what you can do to prepare.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}