A "super El Nino" event is predicted to occur by late fall, with a 90% chance of it happening. This event could lead to extreme weather patterns worldwide, including heavy rainfall and flooding in the southern US, droughts in the northern US, and increased tornado activity in the Gulf Coast and Florida. The event could also impact winter weather, potentially leading to warmer and drier conditions on the East Coast, but also increasing the likelihood of strong East Coast blizzards. Additionally, El Nino is expected to create an environment that is not conducive to hurricane formation, potentially leading to a less active hurricane season. To prepare for this event, it's essential to understand the potential impacts in your area and take steps to mitigate the risks.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Pacific Ocean is the largest body of water on Earth.
2. El Niño refers to warmer-than-average water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean near the equator.
3. La Niña refers to cooler-than-average water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean near the equator.
4. The Climate Prediction Center has issued an El Niño watch for the Earth.
5. There is a 90% chance of a full-blown El Niño by late fall.
6. El Niño can cause extreme weather patterns worldwide.
7. Trade winds near the equator normally blow from east to west.
8. During an El Niño event, trade winds let up, and a heat dome builds up over the Pacific.
9. El Niño can lead to flooding and mudslides, especially in California.
10. The 1998 El Niño caused an estimated $4 billion in damage and 190 lives lost in Southern California.
11. The southern US can expect more rain than average during an El Niño event.
12. The northern US can expect drier-than-average conditions during an El Niño event.
13. El Niño can lead to droughts in some areas.
14. El Niño can affect tornado activity, with an increase in tornadic activity expected in the Gulf Coast and Florida.
15. El Niño can impact winter weather, with the East Coast expected to be warmer and drier than usual.
16. El Niño can lead to strong East Coast blizzards.
17. El Niño plays a huge role in hurricane seasons in the US.
18. El Niño can create an environment that's not conducive to hurricane formation.