California agencies declare emergencies ahead of El Niño winter

Multiple California counties and water agencies have declared local states of emergency to prepare for a potentially historic El Niño winter. The declarations aim to bypass bureaucratic hurdles, allowing agencies to rapidly procure essential equipment, services, and materials to mitigate risks such as flooding, landslides, coastal erosion, and power outages.

In San Mateo County, the Board of Supervisors established an El Niño Preparedness and Response Task Force. Similarly, Monterey County approved approximately $669,000 for emergency readiness, including flood-warning system repairs and sandbar management. In Santa Clara County, Valley Water declared an emergency following a statewide proclamation by Governor Gavin Newsom, enabling the agency to secure specialized support for waterway infrastructure and distribute sandbags to residents.

Infrastructure preparations are also underway in other sectors. The Santa Cruz Water Department has completed the relocation of 3.7 miles of the Newell Creek Pipeline to a more secure location under Graham Hill Road to protect the water supply from climate-driven storm damage. Additionally, the Los Angeles Unified School District has begun maintenance tasks, such as clearing drains and trimming trees, to protect school facilities from severe weather.