President Joe Biden declared an emergency in California on Monday due to severe winter storms that have caused widespread flooding and power outages. The storms, which began last week, have resulted in at least 12 deaths and left hundreds of thousands without electricity.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of ongoing heavy rainfall and high winds that will continue to heighten flood risks, especially in central and northern parts of the state.
The emergency declaration, made while Biden was in Mexico City for the North American Leaders’ Summit, enables the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to coordinate disaster relief and provide necessary emergency support.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is working closely with the White House to ensure the state receives adequate assistance.
Pacific Gas and Electric deploys over 4,100 crews in response to widespread power outages caused by recent storms, marking one of their largest emergency efforts in history.The declaration covers 17 counties, including Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Santa Clara. As of Monday morning, over 130,000 properties remained without power, with Pacific Gas and Electric deploying over 4,100 crews for the largest emergency response in its history.
California has faced a series of atmospheric river storms, which transport significant moisture and cause extreme precipitation. These storms, combined with a low-pressure system known as a bomb cyclone, have overwhelmed the state’s infrastructure.
The NWS forecasts additional heavy rain and snow in the coming days, with up to five inches of rain along the coast and more than six feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada. The saturated ground exacerbates the flood risk and rapid runoff.