The governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for Southern California this Sunday due to a dangerous winter storm that threatens to impact the region.
Governor Newsom’s proclamation includes eight counties that are affected by heavy rainsheavy snowfall and gusts of wind.
The state of emergency was proclaimed for the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura.
“The emergency proclamation considers provisions that They authorize a response from the California National Guard If assigned, it will provide unemployment benefits to affected residents and make it easier for out-of-state contractors and utilities to repair storm damage,” the governor’s office said in a statement.
This Sunday morning, Newsom went to the State Operations Centernear Sacramento, for updated information on the progress of the winter storm and the response efforts underway in the region.
Keep reading: Authorities issue evacuation order in Topanga Canyon due to risk of mud flow
On January 23, A state of emergency was issued for San Diego and Ventura counties who were victims of heavy rains and flooding due to another storm system.
“California: this is a serious storm, with dangerous and life-threatening impacts. Please pay attention to any emergency orders or alerts from local officials,” Newsom said in his statement.
“California is ready with a record amount of emergency resources on the ground to respond to the impacts of this storm,” added the state president.
To read the complete proclamation of the state of emergency, you can consult this link.
Keep reading: Winter storm forces authorities to issue flood warnings in Southern California
Newsom said that More than 8,500 elements would be mobilized to respond to emergencies that are coordinated by the state and ready to respond to possible floods, landslides, travel impacts and 911 calls.
Road to Southern California, the winter storm affected other regions of the north and center of the statesuch as in the Pebble Beach area, in Monterey County, where the force of the wind toppled a huge tree and it fell on top of a car.
The state of California activated several emergency facilitiesincluding the State Operations Center, the Flood Operations Center, the Caltrans Emergency Operations Center and the Medical Health Coordination Center, in coordination with local and state officials.
Keep reading: Officials hope winter storms will increase snowpack in California
It was reported that in California there are 7 million sandbags that have been previously distributedas well as 21 swift water rescue teams that remain on alert, according to the Governor’s Office.
In the city of Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass said officials have been taking action before extreme weather beganand encouraged residents to stay prepared by using the City of Los Angeles storm information website.
He Los Angeles Fire Department is distributing sandbags at its stations throughout the city, plus free sand is available in some locations.
Remain evacuation orders in Topanga Canyon area due to the danger of mud flow as a result of heavy rainfall, in force until 6:00 pm this Tuesday, February 6.
Keep reading: Heavy rains cause flooding and damage in several locations in Southern California
The authorities also issued evacuation warnings for several unincorporated parts of Los Angeles Countyespecially those close to scars left by several forest fires, and which are in effect until 6:00 pm on Tuesday.
The National Weather Service reported that The strongest effects of the winter storm may occur between this Sunday night and Monday morningwith rainfall that would exceed 6 inches of rainwater in several counties, such as Los Angeles.
According to specialists, in the Santa Barbara and Ventura counties have up to 70% risk of flash flooding because of this winter storm.
Keep reading:
· Evacuation alerts and storm flood warnings are in effect in Southern California
· Winter storm dumps more heavy rain on Southern California
· To prepare in Southern California for the forecast of four days of storms