See more of our coverage in your search results.
California’s looming El Niño nightmare is already here — and as the coastline continues to take a beating, meteorologists are warning the massive weather system has gone mutant.
The potentially historic weather system has grown a “second arm” as it supercharges Pacific Ocean temperatures, bringing increased chances for powerful winter storms, flooding and destructive surf still looming in the months ahead.
The mutant limb is the second section of heated water sticking out from South America as seen in new images from Senamhi, Peru’s national meteorological and hydrological service.
The developing phenomenon is already among the strongest on record by several measures, with forecasters warning it could intensify further as winter approaches, climate scientist Daniel Swain wrote in an Oct. 12 analysis for Weather West.
The warning signs are already playing out along the Southern California coast.
In Long Beach, city leaders on Friday outlined a recovery plan after powerful surf from Tropical Storm Rachel tore apart homes and infrastructure on the Peninsula. Seven homes remain red-tagged, down from eight, and officials still don’t know how many will have to be demolished.
With king tides expected around Thanksgiving and a strong El Niño pattern developing, officials are racing to reinforce the battered coastline before the next round of dangerous surf arrives.
“We’re now shifting into preparing for the next storm while we recover from the impacts of Rachel,” Mayor Rex Richardson said.
The developing El Niño pattern, along with powerful oceanic Kelvin waves, is contributing to the threat. The waves can temporarily raise sea levels by up to 12 inches, increasing the risk of coastal flooding when powerful surf and high tides hit vulnerable communities.
“I think that this year’s El Niño event is likely to be the strongest in 1,000 years if the latest models of its peak prove accurate,” climate scientist Zeke Hausfather told The Daily Mail.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency last month in preparation for what officials warn could become the strongest El Niño on record.
“The emerging 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.
The designation does not mean California is guaranteed to be battered by 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.
California officials previously said they hope early planning will negate some effects of the powerful weather system.
“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.”