Why California declared an emergency ahead of El Niño

What the emergency declaration does

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Sept. 22 to prepare California for a potentially historic El Niño and its possible effects this winter. The declaration gives state agencies greater authority to direct resources toward communities and first responders before severe weather develops.

Preparations include positioning sandbags, pumps and other flood-control supplies. The state can also ready the California National Guard to help with flood response, searches and rescues. Agencies will work to strengthen roads and other infrastructure, while environmental and natural resources departments can accelerate permits for projects intended to reduce flood and landslide risks.

Why California is acting now

El Niño often brings wetter and more intense winters to California, increasing the possibility of heavy rainfall, strong storms, flooding and landslides. It does not guarantee those conditions. A study published in August found that El Niño events are nearly 40% stronger than they were before the Industrial era, and this event is forecast to be the strongest on record.

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

Kelvin waves — broad, slow-moving pulses of water — can raise coastal water levels and add to flooding and erosion risks. Climate scientists have warned that Pacific sea levels could temporarily rise between six inches and two feet this winter.

What residents can do

State officials are urging Californians to register for emergency alerts, check whether their homes or workplaces face flood risk, prepare an evacuation plan and assemble an emergency kit. The early declaration is intended to ensure communities and first responders have personnel, equipment and state support ready when conditions change.