Winter and spring storms can bring a deluge of rain to Sonoma County, swallowing vineyards and turning low-lying areas into a network of lakes and ponds. While the sight of a flooded vineyard may be worrisome, the dormant grapevines typically remain unaffected, their roots requiring little oxygen or nutrients while growth is suspended. But what happens if the rain keeps coming? … Despite the potential risks, heavy rains help irrigate the vines deep beneath the soil, which is beneficial in the long term, added [Balletto Vineyards founder John] Balletto. To prepare for impending storms, his team is currently installing erosion controls in flood-prone areas. … Jackson Family Wines has largely continued its usual operations leading up to winter, but [vice president of farming Scott] Welch took a precautionary step in mid-July, instructing his team to stop replenishing some reservoirs in anticipation of El Niño.

Other El Niño news:

• Oroville Mercury-Register (Calif.): El Nino is here, but it’s unclear what that means for the north state
• Los Angeles Times: SoCal coast hit by widespread flooding as record-breaking tides move in
• Los Angeles Times: The California coast’s great enemy: Record-hot ocean temperatures from El Niño
• The Guardian: Coastal California braces for flooding amid forecast of ‘record-breaking tides’
• KQED (San Francisco): Marin County lowers Lake Phoenix to lessen likelihood of winter flooding
• CBS Los Angeles: Irvine Lake begins mass draining project for upgrades to 93-year-old reservoir