El Niño: A Guide for Residents
El Niño can increase the likelihood of a wet winter in California, including heavy rain, flooding, landslides and damaging coastal conditions. While El Niño can influence winter weather, the connection between El Niño and increased precipitation is generally stronger in Southern California and less consistent in Central and Northern California.
El Niño is a natural climate pattern caused by warmer-than-normal waters in the tropical Pacific Ocean. It can shift weather patterns worldwide and is often associated with wetter winters in California, though impacts vary by year and location.
Scientists are predicting a particularly strong El Niño, but how that affects Santa Cruz County remains to be seen. Residents are encouraged to prepare for winter weather now and stay informed as conditions develop. The resources below provide information on El Niño, local hazards and preparedness.