Merced County declares emergency as El Niño threat grows
Merced County issued a local emergency proclamation to prepare for potential impacts of a strengthening El Niño, while California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on September 21.1
Caltrans crews are inspecting and clearing drainage systems along state highways, and the California Department of Water Resources has stockpiled sandbags and rock for flood‑fighting, while county officials urge drivers to ready their vehicles for winter storms.1