SACRAMENTO, September 22 — California Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency on September 21 to prepare the state for what forecasters expect to be a historic El Niño season, potentially the strongest on record. The proclamation, issued from Sacramento, directs state agencies to protect vulnerable communities, prepare roads and critical infrastructure, stage emergency supplies, and help local partners reduce flood, landslide, and coastal risks. The emerging El Niño event is already breaking records, and forecasters expect it to continue strengthening.
The action streamlines procurement and mobilizes state resources ahead of potential winter storms and other impacts. Among the ordered actions, the proclamation directs state agencies to lead flood-risk-reduction efforts, stage flood-fighting supplies such as sandbags and pumps, and pre-position other critical equipment.
Caltrans will stage traffic-control, road-closure, and snow-removal equipment along the highways most at risk. The proclamation also prepares the California National Guard to support flood response, search-and-rescue, engineering, and logistics missions when needed. State environmental and natural resources agencies will support local efforts to prepare for flooding, landslides, and debris flows by fast-tracking permitting and identifying other ways to cut red tape.
Newsom: ‘Preparing for This El Niño Early’
Newsom said, “California is strongest when we look out for one another. That is what this action is about. 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.
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.” Cal OES Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs said, “We are not waiting for this season’s storms to be on our doorstep. Cal OES is leading California’s statewide efforts by bringing state and local partners together, conducting advance planning efforts, and identifying potential needs before impacts occur.
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.”
What Is El Niño
El Niño is a natural climate pattern marked by warmer-than-average ocean temperatures in the tropical eastern Pacific, which can shift weather patterns and bring wetter, more intense winters to California. Climate change can supercharge this natural climate pattern. A study published in the journal Science last month found El Niño events are now more than 36% stronger than before the industrial era, with this trend accelerating over the last 40 years as the planet warms.
The emergency proclamation mobilizes state resources and streamlines procurement to prepare for El Niño’s anticipated impacts, like strong storms and coastal flooding. The Governor’s action puts California in a stronger position before winter weather intensifies.
The full proclamation is available online.
