5 ways to prepare for El Nino’s extreme weather this winter 

El Niño can alter temperatures and precipitation, with heavy rain, flooding and snowfall among the possible impacts this autumn and winter. The article recommends preparing ahead by signing up for local emergency alerts, checking utility outage updates and relying on trusted weather information.

It advises using National Weather Service forecasts and alerts, while recognising that rural areas may have fewer monitoring stations and less advance information. A storm “watch” means conditions could become dangerous; a “warning” means the threat is more imminent, so people should be ready to shelter or evacuate if instructed.