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El Niño Threatens California With Coastal Flooding

El Niño Threatens California With Coastal Flooding

A strengthening El Niño is expected to bring significant impacts to California's coastline, including higher sea levels, powerful waves, and increased risks of beach erosion and coastal flooding. According to NOAA, El Niño occurs when warm Pacific waters shift eastward due to weakened trade winds, altering weather patterns globally. California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency to mobilize resources ahead of potential winter storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts above-average precipitation for California, particularly in Southern California, between October and December, with the strongest impacts likely from December to March. This year's El Niño is shaping up to be one of the strongest on record, with a 90% chance of a very strong event during the fall and winter seasons. The phenomenon has already intensified coastal conditions, as seen with dangerous surf and erosion along Southern California beaches earlier this year. (Source time: Sept. 21, 2...

Autumnal equinox marks start of fall, but heat could stick around

Autumnal equinox marks start of fall, but heat could stick around

Fall officially starts on Sept. 22, but the temperatures still may be warmer than expected.

California Declares Emergency for El Niño Storms

California Declares Emergency for El Niño Storms

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide emergency in anticipation of severe El Niño-driven storms expected this winter (source: Los Angeles Times). The emergency proclamation highlights concerns over potential coastal flooding, high surf, and significant storm impacts. Local emergencies have already been declared in several counties, including Santa Barbara, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and Carlsbad, due to coastal erosion and sand loss caused by recent tropical storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a 98% chance of a 'very strong' El Niño through December, with a 75% likelihood of it being the strongest since 1950. These conditions are expected to bring more damaging storms and exacerbate coastal vulnerabilities.

California Governor Gavin Newsom Declares Statewide Emergency Ahead of Potentially Historic El Niño

California Governor Gavin Newsom Declares Statewide Emergency Ahead of Potentially Historic El Niño

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide emergency in anticipation of what officials are warning could be one of the strongest El Niño weather events on record. This declaration, made on Monday, aims to mobilize state agencies and local governments to prepare for severe flooding, landslides, coastal erosion, and dangerous winter storms. The emergency proclamation facilitates access to critical supplies and support for counties before the severe weather arrives. State officials, including Caroline Thomas Jacobs, director of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, emphasized that the measure is about readiness, not fear, and urged Californians to prepare immediately. Forecasts indicate a greater than 90% chance of a 'very strong' El Niño, with a 75% chance it could reach historic strength between October and December, potentially surpassing events dating back to 1950. The state has already begun pre-positioning emergency supplies, including 4.4 million sandbags and other flood-fighting ...

El Niño Expected to Intensify This Fall in the U.S.

El Niño Expected to Intensify This Fall in the U.S.

The United States is preparing for a seasonal shift as summer ends and fall begins on September 22, 2026. According to NOAA, the development of a very strong El Niño event is expected during the fall and winter of 2026-2027, with a greater than 90% chance of reaching significant intensity. This phenomenon is projected to influence atmospheric patterns, including shifts in the jet stream, leading to noticeable regional weather differences. The outlook for October through December suggests warmer-than-average temperatures across much of the West, northern regions, and areas east of the Mississippi River. Meanwhile, Southern states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana face a more uncertain temperature outlook. Precipitation trends also vary, with above-average rainfall expected in the South and drier-than-usual conditions in the Pacific Northwest and parts of the Great Lakes region.

These cities have designated Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day

These cities have designated Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law that establishes Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day throughout the state.

Bay Area Prepares for Potentially Record El Niño

Bay Area Prepares for Potentially Record El Niño

A 'super' El Niño is developing, with climate scientists predicting significant impacts for the Bay Area and California over the next six to 12 months (Richmondside, 2026-09-21). This El Niño could be the strongest on record, with sea surface temperatures in the Pacific expected to rise more than 2.0°C (3.6°F) above average. The phenomenon is likely to bring wetter-than-normal conditions, higher sea levels, and intensified king tides, particularly during the winter months. Local communities are already organizing preparedness efforts, including emergency response training and flood risk assessments.

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Could a nor'easter hit New York? Forecasters warn of flooding, strong winds

Could a nor'easter hit New York? Forecasters warn of flooding, strong winds

Forecasters are tracking a coastal storm that could strengthen into an early-season nor'easter, bringing strong winds, coastal flooding, beach erosion and heavy rain to parts of New York later this week.

Paramount wins Warner Bros takeover after settling states, union lawsuits

Paramount wins Warner Bros takeover after settling states, union lawsuits

By Jody Godoy and Deborah Mary Sophia Sept 21 (Reuters) - Paramount Skydance emerged victorious on Monday from a legal battle over its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery after settling with a California-led group of US states and a Hollywood writers union, paving the way for one of

California Governor Newsom Enacts Statewide Ban on Sweepstakes Casinos with AB 831

California Governor Newsom Enacts Statewide Ban on Sweepstakes Casinos with AB 831

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 831 into law, effectively banning online sweepstakes casinos that utilize dual-currency systems allowing players to redeem prizes with real-world value. This legislation positions California as the latest state to take action against the sweepstakes casino industry. AB 831 prohibits the operation, promotion, and facilitation of online sweepstakes games that mimic traditional casino gambling or sports betting through a dual-currency model. These platforms typically offer one form of virtual currency for entertainment and another redeemable for cash prizes or gift cards. The law also extends legal consequences to businesses that knowingly support or facilitate sweepstakes casino activities. This move follows a growing trend across the U.S. where regulators and lawmakers are introducing legislation and enforcement actions to limit sweepstakes casino operations, which have often been criticized for exploiting regulatory gaps by presenting casino-style g...

Newsom blocks other states' National Guard troops from California

Newsom blocks other states' National Guard troops from California

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that would ban other states from deploying National Guard troops in California without permission.

Heatwave Grips US West Coast and Midwest Amid El Niño Event

Heatwave Grips US West Coast and Midwest Amid El Niño Event

A severe heatwave has impacted the US West Coast and Midwest, with temperatures soaring well above seasonal norms. Coastal towns like Cayucos, California, experienced extreme heat, with indoor temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F). The heatwave is linked to an ongoing El Niño event, which has intensified weather patterns across the region. In the Midwest, cities like St. Louis, Missouri, also faced high temperatures, coinciding with major outdoor events such as the Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival and the St. Louis Art Fair. Organisers implemented measures like shaded areas and hydration stations to ensure public safety during these events.