Fresno Visalia, CA, September 22, 2026 —

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide emergency in anticipation of a potent El Niño weather pattern, projected to begin impacting the state this fall. The declaration is a proactive measure designed to mobilize state resources and prepare communities for potentially significant weather events, including flooding.

The governor’s office cited the expectation of a “very strong” El Niño, a climate phenomenon characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, which often influences weather patterns globally. In California, El Niño events have historically been associated with increased rainfall and the potential for widespread flooding.

The move to declare a state of emergency ahead of the anticipated weather aims to ensure that state agencies are equipped and ready to respond to any potential impacts. Lessons learned from past significant flooding events, particularly those affecting regions like the San Joaquin Valley, are informing the state’s preparedness strategies. The specific timeline and intensity of the expected storms are not yet detailed, but the declaration signals a readiness to address potential challenges proactively.

The declaration enables state officials to coordinate efforts more efficiently, streamline the procurement of necessary resources, and ensure that emergency response plans are activated as needed. Communities across California are expected to be alerted to potential risks and advised on preparedness measures as the fall season approaches.

Details regarding specific resource allocations or the exact commencement date of the El Niño’s most significant impacts were not provided. The governor’s office emphasized the importance of preparedness in mitigating the effects of severe weather events.



Story summarized from the original created by Amaray Alvarez on www.kvpr.org, see more information here.

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