Merced County declares emergency to get ahead of a possible El Niño winter

Merced County has proclaimed a local emergency ahead of the winter season, a step officials say will help them prepare for heavy rain and flooding.

The county announced the proclamation on Sept. 30. It cites forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which put the chance of a very strong El Niño this fall and winter at more than 90%. NOAA also cautions that El Niño makes certain weather patterns more likely but doesn’t guarantee impacts in any particular community.

The county’s emergency services manager, Adam Amaral, noted that El Niño doesn’t guarantee a severe storm season. The proclamation is meant to let departments, emergency agencies and communities get ready for heavy rain, localized flooding, storm damage and road problems.

The Board of Supervisors was scheduled to consider ratifying it at its Oct. 6 meeting. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency on Sept. 21 to strengthen readiness for possible El Niño impacts, ABC30 reported.

Why officials are moving early

County officials pointed to January 2023, when back-to-back atmospheric rivers pushed Miles Creek and Bear Creek over their banks and flooded Planada and other parts of the county, ABC30 reported. Impacts from this El Niño could begin in mid-December and last through March, according to the station.

What residents can do now

The county recommends that residents:

• Clear debris from drainage areas around their homes
• Review emergency plans
• Identify evacuation routes
• Prepare emergency supplies
• Follow official emergency information

Businesses, farms and community groups are also encouraged to make plans before winter. County updates are posted at countyofmerced.com.

Sources: Merced County news release, Sept. 30, ABC30, Oct. 2