NOAA has confirmed the formation of El Niño, with a high probability of very strong conditions this winter. - There is a 63% chance of very strong El Niño conditions, up from 37% last month.
- Only three very strong El Niño events have occurred since 1950: 1982-83, 1997-98, and 2015-16. - The 1982-83 and 1997-98 events brought heavy rain to California, while 2015-16 was drier.
- Forecasters caution that a strong El Niño does not guarantee wet conditions. Residents in Tuolumne County and Confidence should stay informed as the situation develops.