California is bracing for a record-breaking El Niño, with Governor Gavin Newsom declaring a state of emergency to prepare for extreme weather in the coming months. The global climate phenomenon, known as a "super El Niño," is predicted to bring severe winter storms and flooding across the state.
The "super El Niño" has already broken temperature records and is expected to lead to an extremely wet winter in California. Experts have indicated that recent high surf, flooding, and coastal erosion linked to Hurricane Marie and El Niño could be a preview of the upcoming winter.
Governor Newsom's emergency declaration on Monday aims to provide supplies to communities, ready the national guard for flood response and search and rescue, and direct state agencies to prepare roads and critical infrastructure. The governor stated the proclamation is to ensure communities have support, first responders have tools, and families have confidence in the state's readiness.
This year, there is a more than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño event and a 75% chance of an event of historic strength, according to the governor's office. Such an event could result in severe rain, flooding, landslides, coastal flooding that isolates neighbourhoods, community damage, and widespread power outages.