CALIFORNIA DECLARES EMERGENCY AS POWERFUL EL NIñO THREATENS WINTER STORMS

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide state of emergency as the US state prepares for what forecasters expect could become one of the strongest El Niño events on record. The proclamation, issued on Monday, September 21, is intended to allow state agencies to mobilise resources early and strengthen preparations for potentially severe winter weather. Authorities are particularly concerned about heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides, coastal flooding, strong winds and damage to critical infrastructure.

The emergency declaration directs state agencies to begin flood-risk reduction measures and position essential supplies and equipment ahead of the winter season. Flood-fighting materials such as sandbags and pumps are being staged, while the California Department of Transportation is preparing traffic-control, road-closure and snow-removal equipment for highways considered vulnerable to severe weather. The California National Guard is also being prepared to assist with flood response, search-and-rescue operations, engineering and logistics if required.

Federal forecasts indicate more than a 90 per cent chance of a very strong El Niño developing during the Northern Hemisphere autumn and winter, while officials put the probability of the event reaching historic strength at 75 per cent. El Niño occurs when ocean temperatures in the tropical eastern Pacific become unusually warm, altering atmospheric circulation and weather patterns. In California, the phenomenon is often associated with wetter and more intense winter storms, although the precise location and severity of individual storms cannot be predicted in advance.

The state is already dealing with weather-related damage in several coastal communities. Recent storms and high surf have caused flooding, coastal erosion and damage to homes and infrastructure in parts of Southern California, including Orange County and Long Beach. Some local governments have separately declared emergencies and begun accelerating projects aimed at protecting vulnerable shorelines before the winter storms arrive.

Newsom said the early declaration was intended to give communities and emergency responders more time to prepare rather than wait until severe weather arrives. State officials are also urging residents to understand their flood risks, clear drains and gutters, sign up for emergency alerts and prepare evacuation plans and emergency supplies. The statewide proclamation is expected to streamline procurement and permitting while improving coordination between state and local authorities as California enters the 2026–27 winter season.