San Diego, California – California entered a heightened state of alert Wednesday as Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency across multiple counties, warning that a series of powerful winter storms could unleash flooding, landslides, and debris flows just as the holiday season peaks.
The emergency declaration covers Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta counties, where heavy rain and strong winds are expected to batter already saturated ground, particularly in Southern California regions scarred by recent wildfires.
“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.”…