Why California Just Declared a State of Emergency Due to El Niño
A super El Niño could bring extreme weather to the state this winter.
California's Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of a potentially record-breaking El Niño season. This move aims to equip communities with necessary resources to mitigate the expected impacts this winter. Speaking in a statement, Newsom emphasized the importance of collective support, bolstered response efforts, and heightened readiness for families and first responders.
The declaration enables the government to deploy state resources, including flood-prevention supplies, National Guard assistance, and infrastructure fortification. State environmental agencies will also expedite permitting processes to better prepare for potential flooding and landslides.
El Niño typically brings heavier rainfall and more intense winter storms to California, potentially leading to severe weather events like landslides and flooding. While it doesn't guarantee these occurrences, the likelihood increases during an El Niño year. Climate change has amplified the intensity of these weather patterns, with El Niño events now nearly 40% stronger than they were before the Industrial era. The current El Niño is forecasted to be the most powerful on record.
California has already begun to feel the effects of this year's El Niño, with coastal flooding being one of the early manifestations. The state anticipates additional risks such as Kelvin waves, slow-moving water pulses that can raise sea levels along the coastline, and an increase in the likelihood of offshore Pacific hurricanes. Scientists also predict a temporary rise in sea levels by 6 inches to 2 feet during the winter.
In Malibu, Laguna Beach, and Long Beach, significant coastal erosion has already been observed due to El Niño and Pacific hurricanes. Californians are advised to prepare for El Niño by signing up for emergency alerts, understanding their flood risks, and having an evacuation plan and emergency kit ready. This early planning and resource coordination are crucial to ensuring communities and first responders are well-equipped to handle severe weather, respond swiftly when conditions change, and safeguard lives and property across the state.
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