California issues emergency warnings ahead of historic El Niño

California authorities and local counties are issuing emergency warnings and declarations in preparation for a potentially historic El Niño season. Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statewide emergency proclamation on September 21 to mobilize state resources, including the National Guard, ahead of anticipated severe weather.

San Diego County has also declared a local emergency to facilitate faster responses to expected heavy rains, flooding, landslides, and debris flows. The National Weather Service indicates a high probability of a strong El Niño event this fall and winter, driven by warmer-than-average ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific.

In response to the threat, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is urging residents to review their insurance policies, noting that standard homeowner and renter policies often exclude flood and landslide damage. Meanwhile, community response teams like CERT in San Luis Obispo County are conducting training to assist local first responders who may be stretched thin during large-scale disasters.