California Governor declares statewide emergency ahead of severe El Niño storms

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a statewide emergency order to ready California for an anticipated wave of El Niño-related storms and high surf. The declaration emphasizes early, targeted actions to safeguard communities, critical infrastructure, agricultural lands, natural habitats and the state economy. Local emergencies have already been declared in multiple counties, such as Santa Barbara, after powerful Pacific storms caused beach erosion and flooding along the coast.

Cities from Carlsbad to Laguna Beach reported severe sand loss and damage to roads, prompting activation of emergency operations centers. Scientists note a "coastally trapped Kelvin wave" moving up from Mexico toward the U.S. West Coast, heightening concerns. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center says there is a 75% chance this El Niño will surpass any event since 1950 and a 98% chance it will remain "very strong" through December.