Officials warn of dangers during El Nio
The 2015 EI Nio is shaping up to be one of the most powerful ever recorded, according to the National Weather Service.
Weather experts are forecasting a wetter-than-average winter in southern California, with weather events likely to peak in early 2016.
Officials from National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration were on hand at a press conference in the Cajon Pass to discuss what El Nio is and what to expect this winter and how it could help with the drought.
“Historically like in 1982-83, one of the best snow packs ever, and in 1997-98 were also really good snow packs so there is scientific proof for outlook of good snow pack, it’s just our core reservoirs like deep in the Colorado River and deep in northern California, those are the areas we need the most precipitation and our confidence isn’t as high in those areas that they will be able to fill them up,” said Alex Tardy, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Caltrans has also been busy in the Coachella Valley making sure bridges and roads are ready for high amounts of rain.
“Caltrans is here today to tell everyone that we are ready for this, we have done a lot of things to prepare, we have cleared all our drains and our culverts, we have our material supplies stocked, and we have our equipment ready to go,” said Terri Kasinga, spokesperson for Caltrans District 8.
CAL FIRE would also like to warn drivers not to attempt to drive through flooded roads.
“More people are killed in flooding in their cars than anywhere else, it’s from trying to cross roadways that are flooded out. You can’t see through the water, you can’t see how deep it is, or how fast the water is moving, and the other problem is what kind of debris is in that water,” said Don Trapp, Assistant Fire Chief for the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
Experts also say you should make sure your gutters are cleaned out and there isn’t any debris blocking drainage.
If you live in a flood plain you should get flood insurance now.
Meteorologist with the National Weather Service believe most of the rain will fall between January and March.
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