This fall and winter season in Santa Clarita is expected to experience a Super El Niño event, a weather phenomenon that brings heavy rain and flooding to Southern California. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center states there is a 90% or greater chance of a strong El Niño event occurring in the Northern Hemisphere in the upcoming fall and winter seasons.

An El Niño event occurs when trade winds are weakened, which allows warm water to be pushed back eastward towards the American West Coast. The origin of the name dates back to the 1600s; South American fishermen first observed unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. They called this phenomenon El Niño de Navidad, meaning “the Christ Child,” since El Niño usually reaches its strongest point around December.

El Niño can have a major impact on weather patterns. When Pacific Ocean temperatures rise, the Pacific jet stream shifts farther south than its normal position. As a result, the northern United States and Canada often experience warmer and drier conditions. Meanwhile, the Gulf Coast and southeastern United States tend to receive more rainfall than normal, which can lead to a greater risk of flooding.

El Niño’s impacts will be in effect in Southern California by increasing the chances of more winter storms, which increases the risk of heavy coastal erosion, flash floods, and mudslides.

How to prepare for the El Niño event in Santa Clarita:

• Make sure to check the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Flood Hazard Map service center at ready.lacounty.gov/rain.
• Sign up for alerts by registering for Alert LA County and NOAA Weather Radio. 
• Make an emergency plan before the rainy season, including emergency kits and evacuation routes.
• Inspect your roof for any damage and clear out gutters, downspouts, and nearby storm drains of leaves and debris

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.