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Newsom Declares California Flood Emergency for Strong El Niño

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 6:34 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Governor Gavin Newsom declared an emergency in California because of an anticipated strong El Niño.
Federal forecasters assign over 90% chance of a strong El Niño this fall and winter.
Newsom issued declarations for Glenn, Humboldt, Kern, Mendocino, Santa Barbara counties and a Lake County sewage spill.
The proclamation directs state agencies to stage sandbags, pumps and flood-fighting supplies.
Caltrans will pre-position equipment on highways while the National Guard supports flood response missions.

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Story summary

Governor Gavin Newsom declared an emergency in California because of an anticipated strong El Niño.
Federal forecasters assign over 90% chance of a strong El Niño this fall and winter.
Newsom issued declarations for Glenn, Humboldt, Kern, Mendocino, Santa Barbara counties and a Lake County sewage spill.
The proclamation directs state agencies to stage sandbags, pumps and flood-fighting supplies.
Caltrans will pre-position equipment on highways while the National Guard supports flood response missions.