Several emergency responders got together Tuesday to demonstrate the teamwork it will take to deal with the impacts of impending El Niño storms. Personnel with Cal Fire, the Red Cross, PGE and San Jose’s Office of Emergency Management said they have to be ready for anything this winter, adding that communication and teamwork between allied agencies is key so everyone is on the same page. “We’re very fortunate enough to have a very large meteorology team and helping us expand our view of the weather so we can see four days, 10 days out,” PGE Vice President Angie Gibson said. “It allows us to better plan so we can mobilize resources.” It will be all hands on deck this winter, where El Niño is expected to bring heavy storms. The big question is when or how big the storms will be. The bright spot, according to Cal Fire Unit Chief Marcus Hernandez, is the South Bay did not see any big fires this summer that could have created burn scars — a concern during the wet weather. PGE meteorologists said in 2023, the region had 15 atmospheric rivers in a two-and-a-half month period. Emergency responders said technology has changed dramatically since the last time the Bay Area experienced big storms, like the ones in 2023. They said improving technology will help them plan, prepare and respond better. Severe Weather Oct 20 El Niño is here: How to prepare for winter in the Bay Area Oakland Nov 9 Oakland encourages residents to prepare now ahead of El Niño winter ...read more read less