El Niño’s warmer equatorial waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean is likely to bring some changes to the 2015-2016 winter in the U.S. According to the Los Angeles Times, this El Niño could be the most powerful on record because as of late November 2015 it is still growing, and water temperatures are warmer than ever recorded. The effects of El Niño are expected to be concentrated in January, February, and March 2016.
What can we expect?
Southern States: cooler and wetter than normal conditions; potential for floods, especially in Texas; higher potential for tornadoes; severe weather and big storms.
Middle States: flooding potential in Colorado and Oklahoma; higher potential for tornadoes
Northern States: warmer and drier than normal conditions; less snow and precipitation
Texas to Florida
Increased potential for severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes.
California
wetter; potential help in reducing drought conditions; increased potential for flooding and mudslides/landslides. Higher amounts of snow in the Sierra Nevadas.
California has seen the effects of a higher-than-normal Pacific hurricane season during October 2015, Hurricane Patricia became the strongest eastern Pacific hurricane (Western Hemisphere) on record. Resulting rains caused a bridge collapse on I-10. Huge amounts of hail near Lake Tahoe required snowplows to remove it.
The Los Angeles Times published an excellent article with 28 steps to prepare for El Niño. As always, is best to prepare before the storm arrives. We highly recommend you read the entire article by Carol Cotta. Remember, this article was written for California’s milder winters. You may need to take further precautions for colder, harsher climates.
http://www.latimes.com/home/la-hm-el-nino-20151017-story.html
Here is an abbreviated version of the list (read the full article for the specifics)
- Fix your leaks
- Clean your gutters and downspouts
- Invest in a generator
- Install a sump pump
- Paint the exterior wood trim of your house
- Examine your window glazing compound for recaulking
- Check balcony and deck slopes
- Prevent an Ant invasion
- Store emergency repair materials
Auto
10. Consider new tires
11. New wipers
12. Check car lights
13. Check the car battery
14. Check your brakes
Garden
15. Check yard drainage
16. Turn off watering system
17. Consider rain barrels at downspouts.
18. Plant winter vegetables in raised beds/elevetaed rows
19. Loosen compacted soil
20. Have trees checked
21. Secure the yard fencing, furniture, outdoor potted plants
22. Materials to divert water
23. Talk to your neighbors to be preventive
24. Consider flood insurance
25. Secure documents in the cloud or thumb drive
26. Have a disaster / emergency kit for home and car
27. Learn about Flood Awareness Week in October
28. Prepare now
Sources: FEMA, NOAA, latimes.com