Story perspectives

California declares statewide emergency for strong El Niño winter

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 11:01 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency to prepare for an anticipated strong El Niño winter on September 21, 2026.
The order prioritizes protecting vulnerable communities and accelerating flood-risk reduction resources.
State agencies must stage flood-fighting and snow-removal equipment and coordinate with local and tribal governments.
The Department of Water Resources prepositioned 4.4 million sandbags, 400,000 tons of rock, and 68 supply sites statewide.

History

Historical Context

In 1998, the strong 1997-1998 El Niño brought record rain to California, leading Governor Pete Wilson to declare a statewide emergency and mobilize the Department of Water Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood relief. Governor Gavin Newsom issued a similar emergency on September 21 2026, directing state and tribal agencies to preposition resources, reflecting the state’s evolving El Niño flood-response strategy.

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Story summary

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency to prepare for an anticipated strong El Niño winter on September 21, 2026.
The order prioritizes protecting vulnerable communities and accelerating flood-risk reduction resources.
State agencies must stage flood-fighting and snow-removal equipment and coordinate with local and tribal governments.
The Department of Water Resources prepositioned 4.4 million sandbags, 400,000 tons of rock, and 68 supply sites statewide.

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