In a state known for striking mountain
landscapes and dramatic seaside cliffs, Californians are used to
preparing for natural disasters ranging from treacherous wildfires and
earthquakes to devastating floods and landslides.
Often,
the state's residents must be ready for more than one potential
calamity at a time. Right now, firefighters are battling blazes during
the state's wildfire season but also getting ready for the prospect of
wet winter months ahead.
Federal
meteorologists recently said the El Niño event is already the second
strongest on record for this time of year. While the warming of Pacific
Ocean waters tends to bring heavy winter rain to California and much of
the southern and eastern U.S., California's state climatologist noted
only half the time when there have been big El Niños has there been
meaningful, heavy rains.
California
would need 1 1/2 times its normal rainfall to get out of the extended
drought, which is unlikely, according to Mike Halpert, deputy director
of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction
Center.
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