Gov. Newsom has declared a statewide emergency for California in anticipation of winter storms intensified by El Niño. There is increasing concern about coastal flooding and high waves expected in the coming months.

The El Niño weather pattern may bring high surf and impact storms to the state. The emergency proclamation emphasizes the need for early, coordinated, and targeted preparedness to protect Californians, infrastructure, agriculture, and natural resources.

California is strongest when we look out for one another. That is what this action is about, Newsom said. 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.

Alongside the statewide emergency, special measures have been taken in counties including Santa Barbara, which suffered heavily from recent storms. Many areas, from Orange County to Malibu, faced severe flooding and erosion. Coastal damage continues to be a pressing concern.

Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and Carlsbad have declared local emergencies due to coastal erosion and sand loss from south swells triggered by Hurricane Marie. Orange County has activated its emergency operations center as required by declarations in two county cities.

San Diego County’s Carlsbad declared a local emergency to protect Carlsbad Boulevard from erosion. A coastally trapped Kelvin wave, related to El Niño, is making its way north along Mexico and will soon impact the U.S. West Coast.

Winter is forecasted to bring further damaging storms. Government forecasters report a 75% chance that this El Niño could be the strongest since 1950, with a 98% chance it will be very strong through December, according to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.