California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency due to the forecast of a potentially historic El Niño. This announcement was made on September 22 and aims to ensure that communities have the necessary resources to deal with the impacts of the upcoming winter.
Resource Provision for Communities
Newsom stated, "California is strongest when we think of each other. This action is taken to support communities and equip responders to carry out their duties. We want families to be assured that their state is prepared."
Read more: Governor Newsom Declares State of Emergency to Prepare for El Niño Storm Season
Utilization of State Resources
The state of emergency allows the government to mobilize state resources: preparing flood response equipment such as sandbags and pumps, readying the National Guard to assist in flood response and search and rescue efforts, and reinforcing roads and infrastructure. Environmental and natural resource agencies will also expedite permits and participate in other efforts to better prepare for floods and landslides.
El Niño typically brings wetter and more severe winters to California, which can make the state more vulnerable to severe winter storms, heavy rainfall, landslides, and flooding. While a year of El Niño does not guarantee these conditions, it increases the likelihood of their occurrence.
Climate Change Threat
Climate change is also intensifying weather events, and El Niño is no exception. A study published in August showed that El Niño events are now nearly 40% stronger than before the industrial era. This year's El Niño is expected to be the strongest on record.
The Governor's office has noted that the state is currently experiencing coastal flooding due to El Niño. Kelvin waves, which are blue pulses that can travel thousands of miles, are expected to raise sea levels along the coast and increase the risk of flooding and coastal erosion.
Preventive Measures for Residents
California has urged residents to prepare for El Niño, including signing up for emergency alerts and learning about flood risks, as well as having an evacuation plan and emergency kit ready. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that the state is not caught off guard by El Niño. Caroline Thomas Jacobs, director of Cal OES, stated, "We are not waiting for this season's storms to be at our doorstep."
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