How California is bracing for a winter of floods, fires and extreme storms all at once
The strongest El Niño recorded is expected to bring a cascade of hazards to a state still facing wildfire and heat risks, while budget cuts have weakened disaster response agencies
TL;DR
- The US National Weather Service has issued multiple September coastal flood advisories for the San Francisco Bay Area, a rare occurrence.
- An exceptionally strong El Niño is strengthening and expected to fuel extreme weather globally.
- California is projected to experience a 'very strong' and potentially 'historic' El Niño, increasing the likelihood of severe storms, landslides, and destructive high tides.
- The impacts of El Niño will add to sea level rise caused by climate change, exacerbating coastal flooding risks.
- Wildfire burn scars in California face higher risks of debris flows during strong storms.
- Hawaii has already experienced deluges and strong winds, while Southern California beaches have been damaged by massive waves.
- Local authorities are implementing measures like sandbagging and beach renourishment to mitigate coastal damage.
- Flood control systems are prepared but designed for '100-year events', which El Niño could surpass.
- Los Angeles is also managing high heat and fire risks, with emergency management urging preparedness for multiple hazards.
- Experts are concerned that budget cuts and staff reductions to agencies like FEMA and NOAA under the Trump administration have weakened the US capacity to respond to extreme events.