Sacramento, California — California has declared a state of emergency ahead of what forecasters say could become a potentially historic El Niño, prompting state officials to begin mobilizing resources before the strongest winter storms arrive.
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued the emergency proclamation Monday as officials prepare for the possibility of strong storms, flooding, landslides, heavy mountain snow and dangerous coastal conditions across the state.
“We are preparing for this El Niño early because every Californian deserves to be safe in their home, connected to their community and protected when severe weather comes,” Newsom said in a press release.
The emergency declaration allows state agencies to begin preparations well before severe weather reaches communities.
California Begins Flood and Storm Preparations
Under the proclamation, state agencies will lead efforts to reduce flood risks and prepare communities for potentially dangerous conditions.
Officials will stage flood-fighting supplies, including sandbags and pumps, while other critical equipment will be positioned where it can be deployed quickly.
The California Department of Transportation, or Caltrans, will also prepare traffic-control equipment, road-closure resources and snow-removal machinery along highways considered particularly vulnerable to winter weather.
The goal is to make equipment available before storms create widespread transportation problems.
The proclamation also prepares the California National Guard to assist with flood response, search and rescue operations, engineering work and logistics missions if conditions become severe.
State Officials Warn They Are Acting Early
California officials emphasized that the emergency declaration is intended to give communities and emergency responders additional time to prepare.
“We are not waiting for this season’s storms to be on our doorstep,” Cal OES Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs said.
“By planning early and coordinating resources ahead of El Niño, we are working to ensure communities and first responders have the personnel, equipment and support they need to prepare for severe weather, respond quickly when conditions change and protect lives and property across California.”
Environmental and natural-resource agencies will also receive additional support to help local communities prepare for flooding, landslides and debris flows.
The state said agencies will work to accelerate permits and identify ways to reduce administrative delays during preparations.
El Niño Could Become Historically Strong
The emergency declaration comes as the developing El Niño continues to strengthen.
El Niño is a natural climate pattern that occurs when trade winds weaken, allowing warmer-than-normal water to build across parts of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.
That shift can influence weather patterns across the United States, including California, where El Niño winters can be wetter and stormier.
According to the state’s announcement, federal forecasters see a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño this fall and winter, with a 75% chance that the event could reach historic strength.
If the pattern continues to intensify, California could face repeated rounds of heavy rain, strong winds, mountain snow, flooding, landslides, debris flows, large waves and coastal flooding.
Coastal Communities Are Already Seeing Impacts
Some coastal areas have already experienced dangerous conditions even before the winter season fully arrives.
Earlier this month, rough surf threatened oceanfront homes in Long Beach, prompting officials to evacuate 20 homes.
Pounding waves damaged portions of the boardwalk and cracked concrete between several vulnerable oceanfront properties. Sand pushed inland by the surf also clogged storm drains and contributed to localized street flooding.
The early coastal impacts have raised concerns about what could happen if stronger storms arrive during an already active El Niño pattern.
Carlsbad Faces Growing Coastal Erosion
Farther south, Carlsbad is dealing with another coastal threat.
The city declared a local emergency on Sept. 9 after erosion along the bluffs near South Carlsbad Boulevard raised concerns about the stability of the bluff and nearby roadway.
Officials warned that additional erosion could make the situation more dangerous.
The concern is especially significant because powerful winter storms can combine large waves, coastal flooding and erosion, potentially worsening existing damage.
California Is Preparing Before Winter Arrives
The state’s emergency declaration does not mean every part of California will experience severe conditions, and the exact impacts of the coming winter will depend on how the El Niño pattern develops and where storms track.
But officials are moving early because a potentially historic event could create multiple hazards across different parts of the state.
Do you think California is right to begin preparing this early for a potentially historic El Niño? Share your thoughts and tell us what weather concerns your community is watching this winter.
