A 'super' El Nio is about to crash into California: 9 essential ways to prepare

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Set us as preferred With California virtually certain to see a “super” El Niño, residents and business owners are being asked to brace for a wet and potentially punishing winter later this year.But the time for preparation is now.Officials across Southern California are busy working to shore up hillsides and get flood control systems in place before the rains arrive.

Forecasters say there’s a 75% chance this latest El Niño — a climate pattern characterized by warmer ocean waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific — will be stronger than any other since 1950.There is a 98% chance that El Niño will be “very strong” for the three-month period ending in December, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center.The pattern could train a stream of potent tropical moisture on Southern California, drenching the region, weather experts have said.Los Angeles is “actively planning” for the super El Niño, Mayor Karen Bass’ office said in a statement this month.

City staff regularly meet with the National Weather Service and are working to “shore up” burn scar areas and reduce the effects of debris flows, flooding and high winds.Meanwhile, L.A.County has been removing massive amounts of sediment from reservoirs including San Gabriel, Eaton Wash and Devil’s Gate to maximize their water-catching capacity and fend off floods.Although no preparation is foolproof, there are steps you can take to reduce risks at home and on the road.

Experts stress that the key is to start preparing before storms begin pummeling the region.L.A.County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath in a statement encouraged county residents to sign up for emergency alerts here.“Know the risks where you live,” particularly if you are near a hillside, canyon, recent burn area or an area that can flood, she said, and make an evacuation plan.Terry Heller, the owner of Southern Cali...