California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a state of emergency on September 22 to prepare for a potentially historic El Niño weather pattern. The declaration is intended to mobilize resources for communities facing the impacts expected throughout the coming winter.
“California is strongest when we look out for one another,” Newsom stated. “That is what this action is about. We are giving communities the support they need, giving first responders the tools to do their jobs, and giving families the confidence that their state is ready.”
The emergency proclamation authorizes the state to deploy sandbags, pumps, and other flood-fighting supplies. It also allows for the National Guard to be prepared for search and rescue operations, while environmental agencies fast-track permits to reinforce infrastructure against landslides and flooding.
While El Niño typically brings wetter and more intense winters to the Golden State, officials note that it does not guarantee severe outcomes, though it significantly raises the likelihood of heavy rainfall and storms. Climate change is exacerbating these events; a study published in August indicated that modern El Niño events are nearly 40% stronger than those before the Industrial era. This year’s phenomenon is predicted to be the most powerful ever recorded.
California has already experienced coastal flooding linked to this year’s El Niño. Scientists warn of incoming Kelvin waves—slow-moving pulses of water that can elevate sea levels along the coast, increasing risks of erosion and offshore hurricanes. A temporary sea level rise of six inches to two feet is anticipated this winter.
Southern California municipalities, including Malibu, Laguna Beach, and Long Beach, have reported significant coastal erosion from Pacific hurricanes and El Niño effects earlier in the year.
Residents are being urged to sign up for emergency alerts, understand their flood risks, and prepare evacuation plans and emergency kits. Cal OES Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs emphasized the proactive nature of the response: “We are not waiting for this season’s storms to be on our doorstep. By planning early and coordinating resources ahead of El Niño, we are working to ensure communities and first responders have the personnel, equipment, and support they need to prepare for severe weather, respond quickly when conditions change, and protect lives and property across California.”
40% stronger storms due to climate change makes this so much worse than past El Niños. We need to take this seriously.
Six inches to two feet of temporary sea level rise is terrifying. Malibu needs real solutions, not just sandbags.