Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide emergency in California as a precaution against the anticipated El Niño-driven storms expected this winter. This declaration highlights the increasing concern over potential coastal flooding and powerful waves that could impact the state in the coming months.
The emergency proclamation emphasizes the need for early, coordinated actions to protect the residents of California, as well as critical infrastructure, agricultural lands, natural resources, and the economy. This year, several counties have already declared local emergencies due to a series of tropical storms from the Pacific, which have caused high surf and erosion on Southern California beaches.
“California is strongest when we look out for one another. That is what this action is about,” Newsom stated, emphasizing the importance of community support, resources for first responders, and reassurance for families about the state’s preparedness.
In addition to the statewide emergency, Newsom has declared emergencies in specific counties like Santa Barbara, which have recently suffered from storm damage.
The concern over El Niño’s impact has grown, with significant coastal damage reported from south Orange County to Malibu, where homes have been flooded and eroded coastlines are evident from Carlsbad to Long Beach.
Local emergencies have been declared in Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and Carlsbad due to serious coastal erosion and sand loss resulting from storms linked to a south swell caused by Hurricane Marie. Such weather events are often associated with El Niño, which can lead to an active hurricane season in the eastern Pacific. Hurricane Marie’s effects are a testament to this pattern.
Orange County officials have activated their emergency operations center as a result of multiple city declarations within the county. In San Diego County, Carlsbad has also declared a local emergency, aiming to protect Carlsbad Boulevard from further erosion damage.
A ‘coastally trapped Kelvin wave,’ influenced by El Niño, is currently advancing along the coast of Mexico and is expected to impact the U.S. West Coast shortly.
Forecasts predict that the upcoming winter will bring more intense and damaging storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center reported a 75% chance of this El Niño being the strongest since 1950, with a 98% likelihood of it being ‘very strong’ through December.
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