FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is releasing its disaster plan on how it will respond to El Niño weather conditions in the Southwest and West Coast this winter.
The warming of the Pacific Ocean could bring storms triggering flooding, evacuations, power outages and landslides.
The disaster plan focuses heavily on California. Land scorched by wildfire is susceptible to flooding and landslides. Coastal areas could see higher tides of up to 8 feet around Christmas.
In Arizona, flash flooding and rapid snow melt area concern. The impact to Nevada will depend on how much rain and snow falls on the east side of the Sierra Nevada.
FEMA is looking to recruit 500 people in the region who it can call on to respond quickly to disasters.