Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide emergency in California due to anticipated storms fueled by El Niño this winter. This decision reflects concerns over potential coastal flooding and high waves in the coming months.
El Niño is expected to bring significant storms, which necessitate proactive and coordinated efforts to safeguard Californians, critical infrastructure, agricultural lands, natural resources, and the state’s economy, according to the emergency proclamation.
Earlier this year, several counties declared local emergencies following tropical storms from the Pacific, which resulted in high surf and beach erosion in Southern California.
“California is strongest when we look out for one another. That is what this action is about,” Newsom stated, emphasizing the importance of providing support to communities, equipping first responders, and ensuring families feel secure with the state’s preparedness.
Alongside the statewide declaration, the governor announced emergencies in multiple counties, including those heavily affected by recent storms, such as Santa Barbara County.
The declaration comes amid growing concerns over coastal damage linked to El Niño. Homes from Orange County to Malibu have suffered flooding and severe damage, while erosion has impacted areas from Carlsbad to Long Beach.
Cities like Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and Carlsbad recently declared their own emergencies, citing erosion and sand loss due to a south swell influenced by Hurricane Marie. This is typical of an active hurricane season in the eastern Pacific during El Niño.
Orange County has activated its emergency operations center, which becomes necessary when two cities in the region declare emergencies.
Carlsbad in San Diego County has declared a local emergency to protect Carlsbad Boulevard from severe erosion.
An El Niño-related phenomenon, known as a “coastally trapped Kelvin wave,” is moving along Mexico’s coast and will soon reach the U.S. West Coast.
This winter is predicted to bring more destructive storms. Government forecasters indicate a 75% chance of this El Niño being the strongest since 1950. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center forecasts a 98% likelihood of El Niño being “very strong” during the three months ending in December.
EPA Rollbacks and the Impact on Indiana Communities 
The Impact of Battery Innovations on Renewable Energy 
Challenges in California’s Home Insurance Market 
Race Against Time: Preserving Quinhagak’s Archaeological Heritage 
Managing Drying Rivers: The Need for New Approaches 
Coastal Damage from Kelvin Waves and Rising Sea Levels in Southern California