FEMA: El Niño will flood California
FEMA is warning Californians to take the threat of El Niño seriously.
The agency is urging residents in California to buy flood insurance, even if they aren't in high-risk flood areas.
SEE ALSO: Texas flooding derails Union Pacific train, crew rescued; major highways closed, drivers stranded
El Niño is expected to bring heavy storms throughout the winter and cause serious flooding on the West Coast. Currently 50 to 70 percent of residents in high-risk flood areas aren't covered -- and it takes 30 days to get approved.
See how residents are preparing for the storm:
"If there was ever a time to buy flood insurance, this is the time," said FEMA's deputy associate administrator for insurance and mitigation Roy Wright.
RELATED GALLERY: See photos of El Niño's effects:
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