California declared a state of emergency Wednesday has declared a state of emergency as the state braces for winter storms.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s emergency proclamation will allow the state to mobilize the California National Guard to support disaster response and to request immediate assistance from the Federal Highway Administration for highway repairs and other local response and recovery efforts.
The state has also activated the State Operations Center to its highest level and stood up the Flood Operations Center to provide forecasting, reservoir operations coordination, and technical support as well as flood fighting materials like sandbags for local agencies.
The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy rain and snow, strong wind, and the potential for additional flooding threats. The heaviest precipitation is expected Wednesday evening into Thursday morning in Northern California and Thursday night in Southern California, with residual flooding impacts potentially extending into the weekend.
The state has prepositioned fire and rescue equipment and personnel to support local resources and has engaged with local and community partners to ensure vulnerable groups are aware of the incoming storm and have access to services if needed.
The California Health and Human Services Agency has deployed regional staff to support hospitals and health care facilities and structural engineers to evaluate infrastructure impacts.
Californians are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel during the peak of the storm Wednesday night and Thursday morning and to stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts, including warnings and evacuation notices.
The storm is already causing flight disruptions in the Bay Area, with San Francisco International Airport experiencing dozens of flight cancellations, and more disruptions are anticipated as the peak approaches.