El Niño expected to hit US hard, but not enough to ease California drought

Climate officials warn winter's weather pattern likely to be one of the strongest as effects are likely to be felt from December to March

Climate officials are warning that this winter's El Nino weather pattern is likely to be one of the strongest on record, bringing huge storms and a cold, wet winter for many - but nowhere near enough rainfall to reverse the disastrous long-term drought in the western US.

Any heavy rainfall will be welcome news for thirsty California, parched for the last four years by a historic dry period.