California Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Historic “Super El Niño” Winter

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for California on Monday, September 21, 2026, mobilizing state resources ahead of what forecasters are calling a potentially historic “super El Niño” storm season. No major storm has hit yet. The goal is to stage equipment, coordinate agencies, and prepare communities before conditions intensify.

Why This El Niño Has California on Alert

NOAA puts the odds at 75% that this El Niño becomes the strongest on record since tracking began in 1950. Strong El Niño winters bring heavier rain and higher waves, raising the risk of flooding, mudslides, and coastal erosion statewide, with Southern California expected to see a particularly sharp increase in storms. In Dana Point, crews are already moving boulders into place to protect beachfront homes.

What the Emergency Declaration Does

The proclamation directs state agencies to stage flood-fighting supplies like sandbags, pumps, and snow-removal gear; coordinate with local and tribal governments; prepare Caltrans for traffic control and road closures; and ready the California National Guard for emergency response, including search and rescue.

How to Prepare Your Home for El Niño Storms

•    Check your flood risk using FEMA flood maps and local floodplain data.

•    Clear drains and gutters before the rainy season begins.

•    Sign up for local emergency alerts and make a household emergency plan.

•    Seal vulnerable entry points (doors, garages, and low windows) before the first major storm.

A Reusable Flood Barrier for a Long Storm Season

That last step is where most preparation falls short. Sandbags saturate and need replacing after every storm, and plywood protects glass but does nothing to stop water at ground level. StormArmour seals the openings where storm water actually gets in. It carries Miami-Dade NOA approval, the strictest wind and impact standard in the country, needs no professional installer or permanent hardware, and is reusable storm after storm, storing compactly between systems.

With months of lead time, California homeowners can have tested protection in place before the first storm arrives. [Shop StormArmour →]

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a state of emergency mean a storm is imminent? No. It lets the state move faster once severe weather arrives, and it signals residents to start preparing now.

When will El Niño storms hit California? El Niño winters typically bring their heaviest rain between December and March, though earlier storms are possible.

Does StormArmour work for California winter storms, or just hurricanes? Both. It is engineered to stop wind-driven rain and water intrusion, the same threat a super El Niño season brings.

How is StormArmour different from sandbags or plywood? It is reusable, leaves no mess, stores compactly, and carries Miami-Dade NOA approval.