In response to a series of powerful storms impacting California during the Christmas holiday, Gov. Gavin Newsom has proclaimed a state of emergency, unlocking resources and state assistance for Riverside, Los Angeles and Orange counties and three others.
“California is acting early and decisively to do all we can to get ahead of dangerous winter storms,” Newsom said in a statement. “The state has pre-positioned resources, activated emergency authorities and we are working closely with local partners to protect communities and keep Californians safe.”
The emergency proclamation allows for the rapid mobilization of state resources and support for local governments under the California Disaster Assistance Act and the deployment of the California National Guard, if needed. The order also authorizes the California Department of Transportation to seek federal assistance for repairs to damaged roads and highways.
Newsom’s office said state agencies deployed 55 fire engines, 10 swiftwater rescue teams, five hand crews, five dozers, four loaders, three helicopters and an incident management team, as well as an Urban Search and Rescue Team, and more than 300 personnel to support local response efforts.
In addition to Los Angeles and Orange counties, the emergency proclamation also covers the counties of San Diego, San Bernardino, and Shasta in Northern California.