From Sfchronicle · · 1m 20s
El Niño hits California with climate crisis
California faces record heat and floods from El Niño, climate change intensifies risks.
In brief
California faces record heat and floods from El Niño, climate change intensifies risks. El Niño weather extremes in California, worsened by climate change, threaten schools, power grids, and coastal areas. Originally reported by Sfchronicle.
Tropical Storm Rachel hits Southern California
Homes teetered in Long Beach after Tropical Storm Rachel flooded streets and damaged the boardwalk.
“Storms like Rachel rarely make it to shore in Southern California.”
El Niño intensifies climate extremes
El Niño, the strongest in a thousand years, is causing record heat and flooding across California.
“It may just be the strongest in a thousand years.”
California heat waves hit 100 degrees
Temperatures in October reached 100 degrees, 22 degrees above normal, with ocean temperatures 10 degrees warmer.
“The ocean has felt more like the Caribbean.”
Schools struggle with extreme heat
Over 4,000 schools assessed heating and cooling systems, but fewer than 200 got funding to replace them.
“Kids have been sitting in classrooms with temperatures topping 100 degrees and getting sent home early.”
Virtual power plant underfunded
The virtual power plant, supplying energy as much as a gas plant, was not adequately funded by Governor Newsom.
“More than 200,000 households send power from their home batteries back to the grid, together supplying as much energy as a gas plant.”
Wet winter forecast for California
San Diego and Santa Barbara are projected to get 263% and 226% of normal rainfall from December through March.
“The Bay Area isn’t spared either: San Francisco and San Jose are projected to see nearly double their usual rainfall totals.”
1997 El Niño caused massive damage
Santa Barbara received nearly 2 feet of rain in February 1998, causing landslides and home destruction.
“Landslides closed Highways 101 and 154, and mudslides destroyed homes up and down the South Coast.”
Coastal erosion worsens with rising seas
Beaches in Southern California are eroding at 76% above normal levels, with rising seas making storms more destructive.
“Scientists project that up to two-thirds of Southern California’s beaches could be gone by 2100.”
What to remember
El Niño weather extremes in California, worsened by climate change, threaten schools, power grids, and coastal areas.
