We are being told by our governor that we may or may not get rain this winter. I have personally seen many articles in our larger newspapers actually say that we may not get rain! While I understand that they are fearful that residents will start to up their consumption of water with the hope of rain in winter, and this because of the severe drought we are in. I live in an area that will need sandbags and much preparation if heavy rain is expected. So, while I understand these are predictions and not guaranteed, based on the past El Niño years, have we (California) had average or lower than average rainfall during a strong El Niño year? Does the heavy rainfall in Texas and Oklahoma typically coincide and preceded heavy rainfall in California? I also heard that the 'trade winds' need to weaken or reverse, is that or has that happened? I know some people are preparing for a wet winter while others here are not! So I'm wondering what we should do , as we are not being given much info/help from the local governments.