Bay Area asked to prepare for El Niño storms this winter after CA declares state of emergency
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (KGO) -- Governor Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency on Monday as California prepares for what officials warn could be one of the strongest El Niño weather events on record, bringing the potential for severe flooding, landslides, coastal erosion and dangerous winter storms.
The emergency proclamation allows state agencies and local governments to mobilize resources ahead of anticipated storms and helps counties access critical supplies and support before severe weather arrives.
"This is not about fear, it's about readiness," said Caroline Thomas Jacobs, director of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services.
State officials say forecasts indicate El Niño could intensify this winter, raising concerns about heavy rainfall and storm impacts across California.
"It could become the strongest El Niño on record, so the concern is real," Jacobs said.
"That's why communities across California need to prepare today."
RELATED: California declares state of emergency ahead of historic El Niño season
In a statement announcing the emergency declaration, Newsom said the state is taking action now to protect residents and communities before storms arrive.
"We are preparing for this El Niño early because every Californian deserves to be safe in their home, connected to their community, and protected when severe weather comes," the governor said.
California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot said the emergency proclamation is intended to increase public awareness and accelerate preparedness efforts statewide.
"This emergency proclamation, it's all about enabling us all to prepare," Crowfoot said. "It builds awareness."
State agencies have already begun positioning emergency supplies throughout California.
According to the Department of Water Resources, millions of sandbags and flood-fighting materials have been staged in strategic locations ahead of the winter season.
"DWR has prepositioned 4.4 million sandbags and other flood-fighting material at 68 locations in eight warehouses across the state," said Thomas Gibson, director of the California Department of Water Resources.
In Marin County, emergency officials are urging residents to take the warning seriously.
County leaders say flooding caused by king tides and winter storms earlier this year could offer a glimpse of what communities may face if a powerful El Niño develops.
"We are driving home that this is something we need to take seriously," said Steven Torrence, Marin County's director of emergency management.
Torrence said the governor's emergency declaration will help Bay Area counties obtain supplies and resources more quickly as local agencies prepare for potential flooding and landslides.
MORE: Bay Area nonprofit urges residents to prepare for El Niño, potentially dangerous weather this winter
Marin County has launched a Ready Marin El Niño preparedness website that provides information on flood and landslide risks, emergency alerts and steps residents can take to protect themselves and their families.
"Having a go bag, having a plan with your community, setting up your emergency alerts are things people can do to be prepared," Torrence said.
State officials also noted that the California National Guard has high-water rescue vehicles, helicopters, search-and-rescue teams and logistical support ready to respond if needed.
MORE: Bay Area communities step up flood preps as CA could face 'historic' El Niño winter
While forecasters cannot predict exactly where the most severe storms may strike, emergency managers say the best defense is preparation.
"It's about giving people more time and ways to stay safe," Jacobs said.
Officials encourage Californians to review emergency plans, sign up for local alerts, prepare emergency supply kits and understand potential flood and landslide risks before winter storms arrive.
