El Nino
The image is a stark reminder of a stronger than usual El Niño.
The event is known as desierto florido or flowering desert.
Federal authorities are warning local residents to sign up for flood insurance, as El Nino rains expected to hit the Golden State.
The snakes have made themselves at home in the abnormally warm water off the California coast.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
"While it does point us in a direction, it doesn't promise anything."
Scientists say El Niño is driving animals closer to shore in search of food.
More than 1 million residents in the Caribbean country are now relying on trucked-in water to survive.
"This definitely has the potential of being the Godzilla El Niño."