California declares state of emergency ahead of potentially record El Niño
California has declared a statewide emergency as a strengthening El Niño threatens severe winter storms, flooding and landslides, according to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office.
Newsom signed the proclamation on Monday ahead of the 2026–2027 wet season, ordering agencies to prepare flood supplies, identify vulnerable roads and infrastructure, and accelerate work to protect communities before storms arrive.
The proclamation cites an August 13 report from the National Weather Service’s (NWS) Climate Prediction Center that put the chance of a very strong El Niño this fall and winter above 90%. It also cites a 69% chance that the event’s October-through-December strength would exceed all previous El Niño events in records dating to 1950.
El Niño is a recurring warming of waters in the tropical central and eastern Pacific that changes atmospheric circulation and weather patterns. It can bring more frequent and intense storms to California.
The order warns of heavy rain, strong winds, mountain snow, flooding, landslides and debris flows. Areas recently burned by wildfires are particularly vulnerable to flash flooding and debris flows, while elevated coastal water levels can combine with high tides and large waves to damage roads, buildings and beaches.
California has already experienced unusual precipitation and significant coastal flooding attributed to the developing event, according to the proclamation.
“We are preparing for this El Niño early because every Californian deserves to be safe in their home, connected to their community, and protected when severe weather comes,” Newsom said.
The California National Guard was directed to identify personnel and equipment available for possible activation, including for rescues, evacuations, engineering work and supply deliveries. Agencies must also coordinate with utilities and other essential-service providers on readiness and restoring service after storms.
“We are not waiting for this season’s storms to be on our doorstep,” said Caroline Thomas Jacobs, director of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
The proclamation suspends certain contracting requirements, including competitive bidding, where necessary to address the emergency. It also suspends the price-gouging restrictions that would otherwise be triggered by the declaration for this El Niño event.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
