California Governor Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Potentially Historic El Niño

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency to bolster statewide preparedness for an anticipated historic El Niño, according to a statement released September 22. The declaration is intended to ensure that communities have the necessary resources to manage the impacts expected this winter.

"California is strongest when we look out for one another. That is what this action is about," Newsom said in the statement. "Giving communities the support they need, giving first responders the tools to do their jobs, and giving families the confidence that their state is ready."

The state of emergency authorizes the government to mobilize resources such as flood-fighting supplies including sandbags and pumps. It also prepares the National Guard for potential flood response and search and rescue operations, and allows for the fortification of roads and infrastructure. Environmental and natural resources agencies will expedite permitting and undertake other measures to enhance readiness for flooding and landslides.

El Niño's Potential Impact on California

El Niño typically brings wetter and more intense winters to California, increasing the state's vulnerability to severe winter storms, heavy rainfall, landslides, and flooding. While an El Niño year does not guarantee these conditions, it significantly raises their likelihood. Climate change is exacerbating weather events, including El Niño. A study published in August indicated that El Niño events are now nearly 40% stronger than they were before the Industrial era, with this year's event predicted to be the strongest on record.

Observed El Niño Impacts in California

The governor's office noted that the state has already experienced coastal flooding attributed to El Niño. Residents can expect Kelvin waves, slow-moving pulses of water that can raise sea levels along the coast, thereby increasing the risk of coastal flooding and erosion. Scientists also warn of a temporary rise in sea levels of 6 inches to 2 feet along the Pacific coast this winter. Several Southern California communities, including Malibu, Laguna Beach, and Long Beach, have already faced significant coastal erosion due to El Niño and Pacific hurricanes this year.

Preparing for El Niño

The state is urging residents to prepare by signing up for emergency alerts, understanding their flood risk, and developing an evacuation plan and emergency kit. Cal OES director Caroline Thomas Jacobs emphasized the proactive approach, stating, "We are not waiting for this season’s storms to be on our doorstep. 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."