El Niño is already hitting the California coast as powerful winter storms loom

California’s looming El Niño nightmare is already here — and as the coastline continues to take a beating, meteorologists are warning that the massive weather system has gone mutant.

The potentially historic weather system has become a “second arm” by raising Pacific Ocean temperatures, increasing the risks of powerful winter storms, flooding and destructive waves still imminent in the months to come.

The mutant limb is the second section of heated water protruding from South America, new images from Senamhi, Peru’s national meteorological and hydrological service, show.

The developing phenomenon is already among the strongest on record by several measures, with forecasters warning that 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 being felt along the Southern California coast.

In Long Beach, city leaders presented a recovery plan Friday after powerful waves from Tropical Storm Rachel destroyed homes and infrastructure on the peninsula. Seven houses remain red-tagged, up from eight, and authorities still do not know how many of them will have to be demolished.

With high tides expected around Thanksgiving and a strong El Niño developing, officials are racing to reinforce the battered coastline before the next round of dangerous surf arrives.

“We are now preparing for the next storm as we recover from the impacts of Rachel,” said Mayor Rex Richardson.

The developing El Niño phenomenon, as well as powerful ocean Kelvin waves, contribute to this threat. Waves can temporarily raise sea levels by up to 12 inches, increasing the risk of coastal flooding when powerful waves and high tides hit vulnerable communities.

“I think this year’s El Niño event will probably 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 Governor Gavin Newsom declared a statewide state of emergency last month, in anticipation of what officials fear could become the strongest El Niño on record.

“The new El Niño is already breaking records, and forecasters expect it to continue to strengthen, potentially becoming the strongest in recorded history,” Newsom’s office said.

This designation does not mean that California will definitely be hit by storms. But more intense El Niño events increase the risks of weather events typically associated with the phenomenon, including heavy rains, flooding, powerful waves and coastal erosion.

California officials previously said they hoped early planning would negate some effects of the powerful weather system.

“We’re not waiting for this season’s storms to be upon us,” said Caroline Thomas Jacobs, director of the California Office of Emergency Services.

“By planning early and coordinating resources before El Niño, we 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 throughout California.” »

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