California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday issued a formal state of emergency, mobilizing state agencies and the National Guard to prepare for what experts describe as a potentially historic super El Niño storm season this winter.
Why the emergency matters
The proclamation allows the state to move faster in protecting communities, staging critical supplies, and strengthening readiness before severe weather intensifies. Newsom emphasized that every Californian deserves safety at home and reliable community support when storms hit.
Projected hazards
Scientists say the upcoming El Niño will likely make California the epicenter of intense Pacific storms. Expected hazards include widespread coastal flooding, heavy rain at lower elevations, and significant mountain snowfall. Towering waves amplified by the climate cycle could erode fragile shoreline sections and disrupt key coastal transportation routes.
El Niño also raises coastal water levels on top of already rising seas from climate change. This year’s cycle coincides with the peak of an 18‑year high‑tide cycle, meaning King Tides could be higher than usual, according to Patrick Barnard, research director at the Center for Coastal Climate Resilience, UC Santa Cruz.
Barnard noted that Pacific storms generate about 30% more wave energy during an El Niño year, with past super El Niño events showing up to a 50% increase. He estimates coastal water levels could rise from six inches to a foot, threatening an additional 170,000 people and $60 billion in property compared with a non‑super El Niño year.
State response
The emergency order directs state agencies to begin staging flood‑fighting and snow‑removal equipment, coordinate with local and tribal governments on public‑safety efforts, and ready roads and infrastructure for potential damage. The California National Guard is also prepared to support flood response, search‑and‑rescue, engineering, and logistics missions as needed.
Local officials are urged to check forecasts, review evacuation routes, and ensure residents have access to emergency supplies. The proclamation is intended to give communities a head start on preparedness, rather than reacting after storms strike.
What the numbers say
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s latest forecast gives a 75% chance this super El Niño will become the strongest on record since systematic observations began in 1950. While the exact impacts will depend on storm tracks, the combination of higher sea levels, amplified wave energy, and elevated tides creates a clear risk profile for coastal and inland areas alike.
Looking ahead
Experts stress that early preparation can mitigate damage and protect lives. Residents in flood‑prone zones are encouraged to secure property, elevate valuables, and stay informed through local weather alerts. As the season progresses, officials will continue to monitor conditions and adjust response plans accordingly.
For the latest updates and safety tips, Californians can follow the governor’s office releases, the California Emergency Management Agency, and local news outlets.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
