{"id":499763,"date":"2026-10-18T02:18:16","date_gmt":"2026-10-18T02:18:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/499763\/"},"modified":"2026-10-18T02:18:16","modified_gmt":"2026-10-18T02:18:16","slug":"el-nino-grows-second-arm-as-california-braces-for-impacts-of-rapidly-expanding-super-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/499763\/","title":{"rendered":"El Ni\u00f1o grows \u2018second arm\u2019 as California braces for impacts of rapidly expanding super system"},"content":{"rendered":"

California’s looming El Ni\u00f1o nightmare<\/a> is already here \u2014 and as the coastline continues to take a beating, meteorologists are warning the massive weather system has gone mutant.<\/p>\n

The potentially historic weather system<\/a> has grown a “second arm” as it supercharges Pacific Ocean temperatures, bringing increased chances for powerful winter storms, flooding and destructive surf still looming in the months ahead.<\/p>\n

The mutant limb is the second section of heated water sticking out from South America as seen in new images from Senamhi<\/a>, Peru’s national meteorological and hydrological service.<\/p>\n

\"El<\/p>\n

El Ni\u00f1o’s new limbs suggest the storm has grown strong ahead of what’s considered to be the strongest El Ni\u00f1o in a very long time.<\/p>\n

\""I<\/p>\n

“I think that this year’s El Ni\u00f1o event is likely to be the strongest in 1,000 years if the latest models of its peak prove accurate.” C3S \/ ECMWF<\/p>\n

The developing phenomenon is already among the strongest on record by several measures, with forecasters warning it could intensify further as winter approaches, climate scientist Daniel Swain wrote in an Oct. 12 analysis for Weather West<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The warning signs are already playing out along the Southern California coast.<\/p>\n

In Long Beach, city leaders on Friday outlined a recovery plan after powerful surf from Tropical Storm Rachel tore apart homes and infrastructure on the Peninsula. Seven homes remain red-tagged, down from eight, and officials still don’t know how many will have to be demolished.<\/p>\n

With king tides expected around Thanksgiving and a strong El Ni\u00f1o pattern developing, officials are racing to reinforce the battered coastline before the next round of dangerous surf arrives.<\/p>\n

\"Workers<\/p>\n

Workers use heavy equipment to build sand berms to prepare for elevated surf, coastal flooding, and beach erosion. AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A person takes photos of the damaged seawall and historic boardwalk near damaged homes. Getty Images<\/p>\n

“We’re now shifting into preparing for the next storm while we recover from the impacts of Rachel,” Mayor Rex Richardson said.<\/p>\n

The developing El Ni\u00f1o pattern, along with powerful oceanic Kelvin waves, is contributing to the threat. The waves can temporarily raise sea levels by up to 12 inches, increasing the risk of coastal flooding when powerful surf and high tides hit vulnerable communities.<\/p>\n

“I think that this year’s El Ni\u00f1o event is likely to be the strongest in 1,000 years if the latest models of its peak prove accurate,” climate scientist Zeke Hausfather told The Daily Mail<\/a>.<\/p>\n

California Gov. Gavin Newsom<\/a> declared a statewide emergency last month in preparation for what officials warn could become the strongest El Ni\u00f1o on record<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“The emerging El Ni\u00f1o event is already breaking records, and forecasters expect it to continue to strengthen, potentially becoming the strongest in recorded history,” Newsom’s office said.<\/p>\n

\"Recent<\/p>\n

Recent tropical storms have battered Southern California’s coast and damaged homes along the Long Beach coast. Getty Images<\/p>\n

\"Stronger<\/p>\n

Stronger El Ni\u00f1o events increase the chances of weather typically associated with the phenomenon. Zuma \/ SplashNews.com<\/p>\n

The designation does not mean California is guaranteed to be battered by storms. But stronger El Ni\u00f1o events increase the chances of weather typically associated with the phenomenon, including heavy rain, flooding, powerful waves and coastal erosion.<\/p>\n

California officials previously said they hope early planning will negate some effects of the powerful weather system.<\/p>\n

\"Aliso<\/p>\n

Aliso Beach in Laguna Beach, California, sustains erosion from heavy swells on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. ZUMAPRESS.com<\/p>\n

“We are not waiting for this season’s storms to be on our doorstep,” California Office of Emergency Services Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs said.<\/p>\n

“By planning early and coordinating resources ahead of El Ni\u00f1o, we are working to ensure communities and first responders have the personnel, equipment, and support they need to prepare for severe weather, respond quickly when conditions change, and protect lives and property across California.”<\/p>\n

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters<\/p>\n

California Post News: Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, X<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, WhatsApp<\/a>, LinkedIn<\/a>
California Post Sports Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, X<\/a>
California Post Opinion<\/a>
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!<\/a>
California Post App: Download here!<\/a>
Home delivery: Sign up here!<\/a>Page Six Hollywood<\/a>: <\/a>Sign up here!<\/a><\/p>\n