By The Epoch Times | Created at 2026-09-22 04:01:50 | Updated at 2026-09-22 04:53:28
57 minutes ago
Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a press conference and bill signing in Oakland, Calif., on July 13, 2026. Heather Diehl/Getty Images
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Sept. 21 as the state prepares for what he described as the strongest El Niño storm season on record.
Newsom said the emergency declaration would allow state agencies to act more quickly for potential severe weather, including securing roads and critical infrastructure, positioning emergency supplies, and helping local partners to mitigate flood, landslide, and coastal risks.
“That is what this action is about. 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,” he said in a statement.
El Niño is a climate pattern marked by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
Newsom’s office said California could experience repeated rounds of heavy rain, strong winds, landslides, debris flows, and coastal flooding in the coming months due to El Niño.
“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,” the governor said.
This is a developing story that will be updated.
