Wetter Days Ahead? And Being Prepared For Disasters

By C. MacDonald

There's a good chance we'll have a wetter Fall and Winter than last year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Weather Service (NWS) and the University of Southern California.

"There's a good potential for El Nino conditions based on ocean temperatures and atmospheric pressures as well as radiation and other factors," said NOAA Meteorologist Adam Roser at the Huntington Beach Disaster Preparedness Expo for National Preparedness Month.

There is up to a 55% chance of El Nino conditions starting in the Fall, increasing up to 70% through the Winter of 2018-19, says NOAA and the NWS. Although different weather analyzing groups aren't sure exactly how potent El Nino conditions will be, the University of Southern California's Sea Grant Website says, "A strong El Nino in the Pacific Ocean this year has the potential to become one of the most powerful on record. Models predict it will peak in late Fall or early Winter."

"Everyone definitely needs to get better educated on how to be ready and develop plans on what to do when there's any disaster-- fire, earthquake, terrorism or flooding," said Huntington Beach Mayor Mike Posey.

"One of California's biggest flood threats is debris from fire scars," said Jill Hasling of the National Weather Association Foundation. "Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other flood-related hazard."

"Over half of flood-related drowning occurs when a vehicle is driven into flood water. Turn around, don't drown!"

Casey Oswant of NOAA's Rancho Bernardo office, offered a good safety tip for people out during lightning strikes: "When Thunder Roars, go Indoors!"

Regarding being ready for terrorism or any criminal activity, Police, Fire and Neighborhood Watch organizations tell everyone to "Always Be Alert!"

"If you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood, your school or wherever you are, communicate--report it to the proper authority right away. Many crimes can be prevented and lives saved because of alert citizens," said Nobu Stillwell, Vice President of Huntington Beach's Neighborhood Watch.