California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) declared a state of emergency in several southern counties on Wednesday, as a powerful winter storm swept through the state.
Newsom issued the proclamation in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta counties, unlocking additional state resources and assistance to aid in the emergency response.
He warned that a series of atmospheric rivers has brought high-intensity rainfall and strong winds to soil already saturated, increasing the risk of flooding, mudslides, debris flows, and rapidly rising creeks and rivers.
The governor said areas in Southern California that were burned in the massive wildfires earlier this year are at heightened risk of mudslides and flying debris.
“California is acting early and decisively to do all we can to get ahead of dangerous winter storms. The state has pre-positioned resources, activated emergency authorities, and we are working closely with local partners to protect communities and keep Californians safe,” Newsom said in a statement.
Areas burned in the wildfires this year were under evacuation warnings, The Associated Press reported, noting Los Angeles officials said Tuesday that they had already given roughly 380 evacuation orders to homes deemed especially vulnerable.
