Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Monday in California, citing forecasts for a record-breaking El Niño event expected to bring severe winter storms and flooding to the West Coast in the months ahead.
The declaration is meant to put emergency resources and precautions in place before the weather pattern intensifies. Forecasters say the region should expect powerful storms and higher-than-usual tides capable of triggering coastal flooding.
Newsom said the state was moving now rather than waiting for damage to occur.
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 Nino early because every Californian deserves to be safe in their home, connected to their community, and protected when severe weather comes.
El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern that builds in the Pacific Ocean and can affect weather patterns worldwide, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The pattern recurs every two to seven years and is tied to wetter weather and increased flooding risk in parts of California.
Reporting this week indicates El Niño has already broken the highest temperature ever recorded for the phenomenon, months before its anticipated peak.
Officials warn the pattern could bring heavy rain, flooding, landslides, and coastal flooding severe enough to cut off neighborhoods, damage property, and knock out power across affected communities.
At Tamarack State Beach in Carlsbad, crews began repair work Monday to stabilize an eroding bluff ahead of the anticipated winter conditions.
Wade Crowfoot, California’s natural resources secretary, said the state is acting now because of the stakes involved.
California is already taking steps now to protect communities from a potentially historic El Niño because we know how serious these weather extremes driven by climate change can be.
