Joshua Tree visitors are being urged to pay attention to weather conditions, and related impacts, associated with this winter's El Nino weather pattern/NPS file photo

With what forecasts are predicting could be the strongest El Niño yet seen, officials at Joshua Tree National Park in California are cautioning visitors to be alert to the weather and problems it might create.

Staff preparations include a variety of planning scenarios ranging from dam safety, to extreme weather rescues, to road and transportation issues. Joshua Tree Superintendent David Smith will also consider preemptive closures if a forecast seems to warrant it to ensure visitor safety.

El Niño is a weather phenomenon involving a section of the Pacific Ocean west of Peru that warms up, causing atmospheric alterations which can have a dramatic effect on global weather patterns. What that means for California is a significantly higher chance of heavy rainfall and the challenges it creates.

Meteorologists are predicting an El Niño effect that could exceed the 1997 event. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is encouraging people to consider the phrase “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” as a mantra for this year’s flood season. It can take only 6 inches of swiftly moving water to knock over an adult, 12 inches to carry off a small car, and 2 feet to carry away most other passenger vehicles.

The public is reminded to monitor up-to-date weather forecasts when visiting the park. Never drive through moving water on flooded roadways. When hiking, avoid washes and arroyos. Be alert and stay safe.