California Declares Emergency for Very Strong El Niño
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency on September 21, 2026, to prepare for a very strong El Niño expected to bring heavy precipitation and
California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide emergency. The proclamation, issued on September 21, 2026, aims to accelerate preparations for a potentially severe winter driven by a strengthening El Niño.
State agencies are now directed to stage flood-fighting supplies and prepare vulnerable infrastructure. The declaration streamlines procurement and permits for flood-risk reduction work ahead of the coming season.
The Developing El Niño Event
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports a high probability of a very strong event. Its Climate Prediction Center noted a Niño-3.4 sea-surface temperature anomaly of +1.8°C in early September. Anomalies were even higher in other Pacific regions.
Sea-surface temperature anomalies exceeded +3.0°C in the eastern equatorial Pacific. Widespread subsurface anomalies surpassed +10.0°C at depth. NOAA's September 10 outlook assigned a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño during the Northern Hemisphere autumn and winter of 2026-27.
The agency also forecast a 75% probability that a key oceanic index would reach at least +2.5°C from October to December 2026. This would exceed the strength of any El Niño in records dating back to 1950.
Forecasted Winter Impacts
NOAA's seasonal outlook favors above-normal precipitation over southern California from October through December 2026. The area of expected above-normal rain and snow expands across the state in subsequent months.
| Forecast Period | Probability of Above-Normal Precipitation Near Coast |
|---|---|
| December 2026, February 2027 | 50-60% |
| January, March 2027 | 50-60% |
| February, April 2027 | 50-60% |
The Governor’s Office lists heavy rainfall, strong winds, mountain snowfall, and coastal flooding among the potential hazards. Flooding and rockslides could disrupt road access. Very high tides combined with large waves may lead to significant coastal flooding.
Statewide Preparedness Actions
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will stage traffic-control and snow-removal equipment along high-risk highways. These preparations are intended to support transportation operations when storms hit.
The proclamation also prepares the California National Guard to support flood response and search and rescue missions. State environmental agencies are directed to accelerate permitting for local preparations against flooding and landslides.
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has been told to expand multilingual preparedness communications. These will cover severe weather, evacuation readiness, and power outages. Cal OES Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs said the agency is coordinating with state and local partners and identifying potential resource needs.
The Governor’s Office separately noted that California had already experienced coastal flooding earlier in 2026. The current emergency declaration specifically addresses the anticipated winter hazards linked to the El Niño system.
