Concerns about a potentially dangerous winter are driving action in Long Beach, where the city declared a local emergency as forecasters warn of an especially strong El Niño season.
The move gives the Southern California coastal city more flexibility to prepare before heavy rain, flooding, and other storm-related disruptions worsen.
Here's what to know
With Southern California facing a winter that could be intensified by El Niño, Long Beach city manager Tom Modica issued a local emergency proclamation, according to NBC Los Angeles. The declaration is intended to expand the city's ability to prepare and respond if conditions deteriorate.
Long Beach took that step after Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency over the same threat. State agencies are already getting ready for what could be a powerful run of winter storms.
This climate pattern develops when ocean waters in the Pacific off the coast of South America become unusually warm. Its effects often peak in the winter months.
Preparations in Long Beach were already underway, but concern increased after the remnants of Hurricane Marie reached the city.
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More background
Flooding, high winds, and storm-driven power outages can create public health concerns by limiting access to medical care, safe transportation, clean water, and stable housing.
For a coastal city like Long Beach, the risks can be especially wide-ranging. Heavier rain can flood streets, erode shorelines, and create dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians. It can also damage public works systems people rely on every day, including drainage networks and roads.
The economic consequences can also be serious. Severe storms can force businesses to close, delay shipments, interrupt hourly work, and leave homeowners facing costly repairs. For cities, repeated storm damage can strain emergency budgets and pull resources away from other community needs.
An emergency proclamation is not a sign that disaster is certain. It helps speed coordination and ensures that crews, equipment, and planning measures are in place if conditions worsen.
What's being done?
The proclamation allows Long Beach to begin taking practical steps before the expected storm season. That can include streamlining emergency planning, coordinating with state agencies, and improving the city's ability to respond quickly if flooding or storm damage intensifies.
At the state level, Newsom's emergency declaration serves a similar purpose by letting agencies start preparing for a potentially severe storm season.
Where can I learn more?
El Niño is heightening risks for coastal areas worldwide, and rising global temperatures have made the situation worse.
• NASA warned El Niño's strongest effects can sharpen extreme weather as the planet warms.
• Unusually warm Pacific waters off South America are at the heart of El Niño.
• Scientists say future atmospheric rivers could collide with sea-level rise along California's coast.
• California's sudden shift to drought-free conditions still left lingering hydroclimate risks statewide.
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