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Powerful El Niño intensifies, increasing chances of a stormy, very wet winter across California
By Drew Tuma at ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC)
· July 9, 2026
· 1 min read
El Niño is officially on the rise. Ocean temperatures along the equatorial Pacific are running 1.2°C above average, and forecasters say warming is expected to continue into winter.
Key takeaway Ocean temperatures along the equatorial Pacific are running 1.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
San Francisco residents should prepare for potential flooding and disruptions to the city's infrastructure as the intensifying El Niño brings a stormy and very wet winter. The city's low-lying areas, such as the Mission District and the Bayshore, are particularly vulnerable to flooding, which could impact local businesses and residents. The expected heavy rainfall may also put a strain on the city's storm drainage system, which has been known to overflow during intense storms. With the city's aging infrastructure, residents can expect possible power outages and transportation disruptions. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission will likely be closely monitoring the situation, and residents should stay informed about weather updates and flood warnings to minimize the impact of the expected storms. The city's emergency services will also be on high alert, ready to respond to any weather-related emergencies.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC) . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? El Niño is officially on the rise. Ocean temperatures along the equatorial Pacific are running 1.2°C above average, and forecasters say warming is expected to continue into winter.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Drew Tuma at ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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