Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a state of emergency for eight Southern California counties due to a severe winter storm. The counties include Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. This declaration allows the California National Guard to be deployed if needed, provides unemployment benefits for those affected, and streamlines the process for out-of-state contractors and utilities to repair storm damage.
The storm is predicted to bring high winds, heavy rain, and snowfall, posing a threat to the region. In response, California has mobilized 8,500 state-coordinated emergency resources to handle potential flooding, landslides, travel disruptions, and emergency calls. Governor Newsom has urged residents to follow any emergency orders or alerts from local officials, highlighting the potential dangers of the storm.
Governor Newsom provided a list of five key actions to help residents stay safe. These include staying informed through reliable sources, preparing for high winds by securing outdoor objects and taking cover, avoiding non-essential travel, and preparing for potential power outages by planning for alternative power sources and keeping devices charged.