Strong El Niño could bring wetter winter, increased flood and severe weather risk to South Florida

With a very strong El Nio event in the Pacific, the U.S. weather pattern is significantly impacted, especially in winter. Historically, El Nio brings stormier weather for the southern United States, including Florida.According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Miami, above-normal rainfall is anticipated for our dry season with a higher risk for flood events and severe weather including tornadoes.This happens as El Nio drives the subtropical jet stream farther south across the U.S. during the winter and dry season and generally steers more storm systems eastward. The NWS says due to the strength of the El Nio, which could match or exceed the historic 19971998 event as the strongest recorded (since 1950), confidence is high for a higher risk of strong storms. The 1997-1998 El Nio is tied to multiple severe weather events and the deadliest tornado outbreak in Florida back in February of '98.AFFECT ON WINTER TEMPERATURESAlthough more storm systems are in the forecast, it doesn't mean w