California Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency as the state prepares for a potentially historic El NiƱo. In a statement released Sept. 22, Newsom said the declaration will help ensure communities have the resources needed to prepare for the impacts expected this winter.
āCalifornia is strongest when we look out for one another. That is what this action is about,ā Newsom said. āGiving communities the support they need, giving first responders the tools to do their jobs, and giving families the confidence that their state is ready.ā
The state of emergency gives the government authority to mobilize state resources, including flood-fighting supplies such as sandbags and pumps. It also allows officials to prepare the National Guard for flood response and search-and-rescue operations while strengthening roads and other infrastructure. State environmental and natural resources agencies will fast-track permits and take additional steps to improve preparations for potential flooding and landslides.
How will El NiƱo impact California?
El NiƱo generally brings wetter and more intense winters to California, potentially increasing the stateās exposure to severe winter storms, heavy rain, landslides, and flooding. While an El NiƱo year does not guarantee these conditions, it does make them more likely.
Climate change is also intensifying weather events, including El NiƱo. A study published in August found that El NiƱo events are now nearly 40% stronger than they were before the Industrial era. This yearās El NiƱo is expected to be the strongest ever recorded.
What impacts has California already felt from this year’s El NiƱo?
The governorās office said California has already experienced coastal flooding linked to El NiƱo. The state could also experience Kelvin waves, slow-moving pulses of water that can travel thousands of miles and raise sea levels along the coast. These waves can increase the risk of coastal flooding and erosion, as well as offshore Pacific hurricanes. Climate scientists also warn that sea levels in the Pacific could temporarily rise by 6 inches to 2 feet this winter.
Several Southern California communities, including Malibu, Laguna Beach, and Long Beach, have already experienced significant coastal erosion this year because of El NiƱo and Pacific hurricanes.
How can Californians prepare for El NiƱo?
The state has encouraged residents to prepare for El NiƱo by signing up for emergency alerts, understanding their flood risk, creating an evacuation plan, and keeping an emergency kit ready.
The stateās efforts are aimed at making sure California is prepared for El NiƱo rather than caught off guard. āWe are not waiting for this seasonās storms to be on our doorstep,ā Cal OES director Caroline Thomas Jacobs said in a statement. āBy planning early and coordinating resources ahead of El NiƱo, we are working to ensure communities and first responders have the personnel, equipment, and support they need to prepare for severe weather, respond quickly when conditions change, and protect lives and property across California.ā
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