SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom is taking early action to prepare for a potentially historic winter storm season amid an unprecedented El Ni?o forecast. Responding to the Governor’s emergency proclamation issuedon September 21, state agencies are coordinating with local communities, staging flood-fighting supplies, inspecting levees and water infrastructure, helping coastal communities prepare for flooding and erosion, and positioning resources to capture and store stormwaters. 

The storm season is already making itself felt. This year, “Kelvin waves” have raised sea levels, and offshore Pacific Hurricanes fueled by warm eastern Pacific water have sent strong waves into the California coast, causing coastal flooding that scientists attribute to El Ni?o. Recent years have shown how quickly California can swing between severe drought and devastating floods — extremes that climate change is making more pronounced. The state’s preparations focus on protecting people, communities, and businesses, while capturing and storing water for future use when conditions allow.