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Strong El Niño now a virtual certainty, forecasters say. What it means for California
By Rong-Gong Lin II at Los Angeles Times - California
· July 9, 2026
· 1 min read
Strong El Niños significantly tilt the odds of expected weather outcomes during the winter. For Southern California, that means a higher chance of above-average rainfall, risking a winter of flash floods and landslides.
Key takeaway For Southern California, that means a higher chance of above-average rainfall, risking a winter of flash floods and landslides.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The virtual certainty of a strong El Niño event this winter has significant implications for Los Angeles , where above-average rainfall can quickly turn from a blessing to a curse. With the city's hilly terrain and dense population, the risk of flash floods and landslides is particularly pronounced. Residents in low-lying areas and those living near steep slopes should be prepared for potential evacuations and take steps to protect their properties. The city's stormwater management systems will also be put to the test, and any weaknesses in the infrastructure could be exposed. As the winter months approach, Angelenos should stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings, and city officials should review emergency response plans to ensure they are equipped to handle the potential consequences of a strong El Niño event. This could be a critical test of the city's disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
About this story
Original reporting by Los Angeles Times - California . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Los Angeles Times - California . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: Los Angeles Times - California ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Strong El Niños significantly tilt the odds of expected weather outcomes during the winter. For Southern California, that means a higher chance of above-average rainfall, risking a winter of flash floods and landslides.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by Los Angeles Times - California and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rong-Gong Lin II at Los Angeles Times - California. To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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