Coachella Valley residents prepare as strong El Niño takes shape

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)- A strengthening El Niño could bring a wetter-than-normal fall and winter to Southern California, prompting some Coachella Valley residents to start thinking about storm preparation before the rain arrives.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center says there is a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño during fall and winter 2026-27. Forecasters also say there is a 75% chance the event reaches a level stronger than any El Niño recorded since 1950 during the October through December period.

NOAA’s latest seasonal outlook favors above-normal precipitation across the southern half of California from October through December, with wetter-than-normal conditions continuing to be favored across California later in the winter. Forecasters stress that El Niño increases the chances of certain weather patterns but does not guarantee heavy rain or flooding in any one community.

Preparation can include checking drainage around a home, securing outdoor items and keeping emergency supplies on hand. Sandbags, tarps, flashlights and other storm-related supplies can also help residents prepare before heavy rain moves in.

News Channel 3 spoke with Coachella Valley residents about whether they are concerned about another wet winter and how they prepare their homes ahead of storms. We also spoke with a locally owned hardware store in Palm Desert about what customers typically look for before a storm, what homeowners should have on hand, and why preparing early can make a difference.

Stay tuned for the full story tonight on News Channel 3.