Valley Water, officially known as the Santa Clara Valley Water District, has declared an El Niño emergency to prepare for anticipated severe winter weather across Santa Clara County and coastal California. This local declaration follows a statewide emergency proclamation issued last month by Gov. Gavin Newsom, which acknowledged forecasts indicating a strengthening El Niño weather pattern and a high probability of above-average rainfall in Northern California.
The emergency authority allows Valley Water to swiftly purchase essential equipment, services, and materials. These actions are designed to safeguard life, property, and critical public services from potential threats linked to the developing El Niño weather. Immediate preparations may include staging flood fight supplies and securing specialized services needed to address severe weather impacts on the region’s water infrastructure.
The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Winter Outlook, released last week, predicts that a powerful El Niño—characterized by above-normal Pacific Ocean temperatures—is expected to arrive in December and continue through February. This pattern will likely bring warmer-than-average temperatures across the northern U.S. and wetter-than-average conditions across the southern U.S., extending from California to Florida, and along the Eastern Seaboard.
State officials have warned that this winter could be dangerous due to the strengthening El Niño. NOAA forecasts indicate a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event this fall and winter, with a 75% chance it could reach historic strength. The unusually warm Pacific Ocean temperatures can shift storm tracks and add more energy to the atmosphere in the coming months.
These conditions significantly increase the likelihood of severe storms, atmospheric rivers, and various forms of flooding, including coastal flooding. Residents may also face increased risks of erosion, mudslides, debris flows, power outages, transportation disruptions, and widespread damage to both public and private infrastructure across the region.
Valley Water manages an integrated water resources system for all of Santa Clara County, serving nearly two million residents across 15 cities. The agency’s Board of Directors will review and reaffirm the emergency declaration at each regularly scheduled meeting, as ongoing conditions require.
Valley Water urges residents to prepare now. This includes reviewing personal flood safety plans, staying informed through updated weather reports, and utilizing available local resources. These resources include free sandbag distribution stations and emergency alert systems. Additional flood preparedness tools and resources are available on the Valley Water website.
