California Declares Emergency Over Potential Record El Niño

California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency as forecasters warned that an exceptionally strong El Niño could bring severe winter storms, coastal flooding, high surf, landslides and other hazards. The proclamation directs state agencies to stage sandbags, pumps and other flood-response equipment, prepare road closures and snow-removal resources, expand multilingual public alerts, and ready the California National Guard for search-and-rescue and logistical support. Officials said the action is preventive but follows recent storm impacts, including beach erosion, flooding and damage to oceanfront homes and infrastructure in Southern California. Federal forecasts give high odds that the event will be classified as very strong and a significant chance that it could reach historic strength, with unusually warm Pacific waters already elevating coastal risks. Newsom said the preparations are intended to support communities, first responders and families before the most dangerous weather arrives.