LOS ANGELES (AP) — Meteorologists say odds are good for a wet California winter as a strong El Nino builds in the Pacific Ocean.
The Los Angeles Times reported Saturday (http://lat.ms/1GejVwp ) that scientists say a significant El Niño is more than 90 percent likely.
Meteorologist Scott Sukup of the National Weather Service says above-normal rainfall could help ease the state’s drought.
Previous El Ninos have dumped more than 25 inches of rain on downtown Los Angeles.
With the state in the fourth year of drought, rainfall would be welcome, though it could bring mudslides to areas scorched by wildfire.
San Bernardino National Forest officials have been asking communities ravaged by fire to prepare for rain after thunderstorms Monday caused mud flows.
The weather phenomenon could also cause more hurricanes in parts of the Pacific.
