California Prepares for Powerful El Niño

California is actively preparing for a potentially powerful El Niño event, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to issue a statewide emergency declaration. This proactive measure empowers state agencies to accelerate preparations for anticipated severe winter weather. The declaration directs crucial actions, such as staging flood-fighting supplies and readying essential equipment for vulnerable highways. State agencies are also streamlining permits and contracts for storm-protection projects.

Forecasters at NOAA indicate a high probability, over 90%, of a very strong El Niño developing this winter, with a 75% chance of it reaching historic strength. While this does not guarantee record rainfall or snowfall, seasonal models suggest a wetter-than-normal winter for California. The state is already experiencing some impacts from a warming Pacific, including Kelvin waves contributing to coastal flooding and erosion in Southern California.

The emergency proclamation also enhances coordination between state and local governments to inform the public about potential risks like flooding, evacuation needs, and power outages. These El Niño preparations are separate from previous emergency proclamations made to support recovery efforts in other counties impacted by earlier storms and a sewage spill.