Why California Declared an El Niño State of Emergency

California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Sept. 22 to prepare for a potentially historic El Niño and the damaging winter weather it could bring. The declaration is intended to give communities and first responders access to resources before conditions worsen.

El Niño often brings California wetter and more intense winters, increasing the possibility of heavy rain, severe storms, floods and landslides. It does not guarantee those conditions, but state officials are preparing for the greater risk.

What the declaration allows

The emergency declaration lets California ready flood-control equipment, including sandbags and pumps. It also allows the state to prepare the National Guard for flood response and search-and-rescue operations.

State agencies can take steps to reinforce roads and other infrastructure. Environmental and natural resources agencies can accelerate permits and related work intended to reduce the effects of flooding and landslides.

Officials said California has already experienced coastal flooding linked to El Niño. Malibu, Laguna Beach and Long Beach have also faced substantial coastal erosion connected to El Niño conditions and Pacific hurricanes.

How residents can prepare

California officials are urging residents to register for emergency alerts, determine whether their homes or workplaces face flood risks, and prepare evacuation plans. Households are also advised to keep an emergency kit ready.

The state is watching for Kelvin waves, slow-moving pulses of water that can raise coastal sea levels and increase flooding and erosion risks. Climate scientists have warned that Pacific sea levels could temporarily rise by six inches to two feet during the winter.

The California Office of Emergency Services is coordinating personnel, equipment and other support so communities can respond quickly if severe weather develops.