San Diego city officials are urging residents to brace for the strongest El Niño on record. Mayor Todd Gloria posted a series of videos from Mission Beach highlighting potential flooding and the city’s emergency preparations.
What makes this El Niño different?
El Niño events shift warm Pacific water eastward, sending heat and moisture toward Southern California. In 1997, a warm Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) amplified the storm’s power, producing historic rains and flooding. Since 2020, the PDO has been in a cooling phase, which scientists say could dampen the intensity of this year’s event.
“That’s really the million‑dollar question,” said Corey Gabriel, executive director of the Climate Science and Policy program at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. “The El Niño itself is so strong that it might just steamroll the negative (cool) PDO. But it isn’t just how warm the Pacific gets. It’s where that warming occurs and how the atmosphere responds to it.”
Local impacts already visible
High tides have already inundated parking lots along the coast, from Tamarack State Beach in Carlsbad to The Strand in Oceanside. Residents reported beach access limited to the waterline, and local businesses are preparing for possible storm‑related disruptions.
Marine life is responding to the warmer waters, with sightings of whale sharks off Malibu, hammerhead sharks near the Malibu pier, and a giant manta ray off La Jolla. A historic super‑pod of pilot whales was also observed earlier this month, delighting local whale‑watching operators.
Community response
Local fishermen are reporting unusual catches, such as Wahoo—normally a Caribbean species—now appearing off the San Diego coast. The city’s emergency management team continues to coordinate with county and state agencies, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and public safety.
While some scientists caution that the strong El Niño could overwhelm the cooling PDO, the consensus is that the PDO’s current phase offers a hopeful buffer against the most severe scenarios.
What residents can do
Officials advise residents to stay informed through official channels, secure property against flooding, and heed any evacuation orders. The city will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as the El Niño develops over the coming months.
Original reporting: Voice of San Diego — read the source article.
