Record El Niño May Intensify California Winter Storms
A record-breaking El Niño event is underway, and it is expected to significantly impact California's weather patterns this winter. According to experts, this strong El Niño is causing a 'coastally trapped wave,' which is raising sea levels along California's coast by up to one foot in October. While this wave itself is not destructive, it could exacerbate the effects of high tides and storms, leading to potential coastal flooding and beach erosion. Hurricane Rachel, currently located nearly 1,000 miles from Southern California, is already contributing to minor coastal flooding, dangerous rip currents, and beach erosion in areas like Orange and San Diego Counties. Tides as high as seven feet are forecasted in these regions, with alerts in place. The situation could worsen during the winter months if high 'king tides' coincide with coastal storms, particularly during late November, December, and January.
