A strong El Niño in 2026 raises hopes for drought relief but also risks flooding and coastal erosion. The state has expanded ways to capture stormwater, yet infrastructure and geography mean large volumes could still flow unused into the Pacific.
El Niño increases odds of heavy storms and atmospheric rivers that can deliver large amounts of rain and snow to California.
California has improved stormwater capture — for example, spreading grounds like the Rio Hondo — but available capacity will likely be exceeded in major events.
Capitalizing on a wet winter requires coordinated operational decisions, more storage or managed recharge areas, and pre‑positioned emergency measures.
The drought-stricken state has improved its ability to collect and store rainwater. Many gallons may still rush into the Pacific.
Many gallons may still rush into the Pacific.
El Niño could unleash major storms and flooding. It also could bring precious water to drought-afflicted California.
California is facing a potentially multi-billion-dollar flood threat as El Niño gathers strength in the Pacific Ocean. The warming El Niño phenomenon tends to unleash powerful storms in the Pacific, including atmospheric rivers, some of which are named the “Pineapple …
Gov. Newsom calls for a state of emergency to better prepare Californians for the upcoming El Niño Storm, which is predicted to have significant strength. The post Governor Gavin Newsom Declares State of Emergency in California’s Historic El Niño Storm Season appeared first on LAmag .
<img width="1024" height="577" src="https://unofficialnetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-22-at-12.04.34-1024x577.jpg" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="California Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Historic El Niño Threat" decoding="async" srcset="https:/
Amid warnings of a wet and potentially destructive winter, The Times asked experts for their best tips to be prepared.
A statewide emergency has been declared in California in anticipation of a rough El Niño-fueled winter.
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