FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — With forecasters warning that a very strong El Niño could develop this winter, state and local agencies across the Central Valley are ramping up preparations for the possibility of heavy rain, flooding and transportation disruptions.
This week, Merced County issued a local emergency proclamation to prepare county departments, emergency response agencies, infrastructure and communities for significant winter weather impacts. The move follows California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Sept. 21 state of emergency declaration, which officials said is intended to bolster state preparedness for any potential impacts from El Niño and ensure communities have the resources they need to respond.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, El Niño conditions are strengthening, with a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event developing during the Northern Hemisphere fall and winter of 2026-27. Forecasters expect El Niño to continue strengthening in the coming months, with impacts potentially beginning in mid-December and extending through January, February and March.
Caltrans crews have begun inspecting and clearing drainage systems along state highways throughout the region.
“Not only are they making sure that the drain inlets that are located along the state highway system are clear of litter and debris, but they are also making sure that our pump plants are working properly,” said Alex Aguilera, public information officer for Caltrans District 6.
The agency is also encouraging drivers to prepare now by ensuring their vehicles are in good working condition. Officials remind motorists not to drive around road closure signs during storms.
Merced County officials said recent flooding has underscored the importance of early preparation. In January 2023, back-to-back atmospheric river storms sent Miles Creek and Bear Creek over their banks, flooding Planada and parts of Merced County.
“I learned a lot. A lot that we can do to strengthen our relationships with all of our partners,” said Adam Amaral, Merced County’s emergency services manager.
County leaders said the emergency proclamation will help accelerate preparedness efforts before winter storms arrive.
Amaral emphasized that the proclamation is intended to improve preparedness, not cause alarm.
“We don’t want to put fear into people. What it does and allows Merced County to do is be more proactive in our response if we need to, coordination and preparedness throughout the county, including our six cities and all our special districts,” Amaral said.
The proclamation allows the county to streamline preparations for heavy rainfall, localized flooding, storm-related damage and transportation disruptions. The Merced County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider ratifying the proclamation at its regular meeting Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Meanwhile, the California Department of Water Resources has stockpiled flood-fighting resources at 68 locations statewide in preparation for the winter season. The inventory includes 4.4 million sandbags, 400,000 tons of rock, eight warehouses and 211 material containers. According to the department, stockpile locations in the Central Valley include Sequoia Field Airport and facilities operated by the Fresno County Public Works Department and the City of Sanger Public Works Department.
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