Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a statewide state of emergency on September 21, 2026, to prepare California for an El Niño season that federal forecasters say could reach historic strength. The order directs state agencies to stage flood-fighting supplies, prepare highways, and ready the National Guard before winter storms arrive. Key Takeaways NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center gives a greater than 90 percent chance of a very strong El Niño this fall and winter, and a 75