Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide emergency in California ahead of severe winter storms driven by El Niño. This action responds to growing concerns about coastal flooding and high waves expected in the months ahead. El Niño conditions could bring significant impacts to the state, including high surf and intense storms.
The emergency proclamation emphasizes the need for early, coordinated, and targeted preparedness to protect Californians and critical infrastructure. This includes agricultural lands, natural resources, and the state’s economy. The proclamation notes the urgency in moving swiftly to safeguard these areas.
California has already experienced multiple local emergencies this year. Tropical storms originating in the Pacific have led to high surf in Southern California, resulting in erosion on local beaches. Amidst this backdrop, Newsom stated, “California is strongest when we look out for one another. That is what this action is about.” He spoke about providing communities with the support they need, equipping first responders, and assuring families that the state is prepared.
With the statewide proclamation, Newsom has also declared emergencies in several counties severely affected by recent storms, such as Santa Barbara County. These declarations highlight the growing concern over coastal damage attributed to El Niño. Areas from south Orange County to Malibu faced flooding and severe damage, with coastal erosion affecting locations from Carlsbad to Long Beach.
Localities like Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and Carlsbad have declared their own states of emergency due to erosion and sand loss caused by a south swell linked to Hurricane Marie. El Niño tends to trigger an unusually active hurricane season in the eastern Pacific, where Hurricane Marie developed.
Orange County is now activating its emergency operations center. Protocols require this action when two cities in the county have declared local emergencies. In San Diego County, Carlsbad took similar steps to address severe erosion threatening Carlsbad Boulevard, also known as Old Highway 101.
An El Niño-related phenomenon, referred to as a “coastally trapped Kelvin wave,” is advancing along the coast of Mexico and expected to reach the U.S. West Coast soon. The upcoming winter is likely to bring more damaging storms. Government forecasts indicate a 75% chance that the current El Niño will surpass any other since 1950. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center has stated there is a 98% chance that the El Niño will be “very strong” for the three-month period ending in December.