… Experts have warned that a potentially historic El Niño is brewing, with the power to unleash extreme weather around the world. The climate phenomenon, characterized by warmer than average equatorial sea surface temperatures, is already under way, according to federal forecasters, and it is expected to strengthen through the northern hemisphere’s autumn and winter. California is poised to be in its crosshairs. Landslides, flash floods and encroaching sea levels are all on the menu – and they could all happen at once. … Some areas could see supercharged storms and relentless rains. Others face explosive surf, strong currents and devastated marine ecosystems. … Preparations are already under way at all levels of government as officials work to secure vital infrastructure, preset response resources and inform the public of the incoming hazards.

Other El Niño news:

• KTLA (Los Angeles): El Niño is strengthening, forecasters warn: ‘Chances remain high for a historic event’
• Los Angeles Times: Tropical Storm Rachel, Kelvin wave combine to bring rain, winds, coastal dangers to Southern California
• ABC10 (Sacramento, Calif.): 68 supply sites, new rescue boats: How California is preparing for El Niño
• The Levee Was Dry (Downey Brand): Blog: A detour from my European observations: The clearest winter warning from El Niño that California may ever get