California Declares State of Emergency as El Niño Threatens Coastal Flooding and Erosion

Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency to pre-position sandbags, pumps, and alert systems for coastal communities facing El Niño-driven flooding, extreme surf, and erosion over the coming months. The declaration signals proactive preparation for a multi-month hazard window, though the severity of impacts remains uncertain. This is a significant state-level mobilization that could affect infrastructure and insurance costs.