What you need to know: Californians are urged to take precautions now as severe weather sets in throughout the state.

SACRAMENTO - With severe weather expected to impact much of California today through Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom and state emergency officials are urging Californians to prepare and take precautions. 

Yesterday, the Governor directed the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to coordinate statewide response efforts, including the pre-deployment of over 400 fire and rescue personnel. Resources include fire engines, swift water rescue teams, urban search and rescue, dozers and helicopters. 

Storm impacts are expected throughout much of California through Friday with periods of heavy rain, heavy mountain snow and widespread strong winds. Additionally, Southern California could see periods of rain that increase the likelihood of debris flow risk in the Eaton and Palisades fire areas. Last month, a similar storm produced minor debris flows but thanks to state action and coordination with local governments, the debris flows did not result in any significant damage or injuries, with rescue teams saving lives.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties with rain totals expected upwards of 2 inches in lower elevations and 4 inches in higher elevations. 

Residents are urged to stay informed and listen to local authorities. Go to ready.ca.gov for more tips to prepare for the incoming storm.

“This is a serious storm impacting much of California, and we all must do our part to prepare and stay safe. We’ve deployed hundreds of fire and rescue personnel throughout the state to support response efforts - but the best way to stay out of danger is to be alert and follow all guidance of emergency officials.” - Governor Gavin Newsom

State actions to protect communities

Fire and rescue deployment: Cal OES pre-deployed flood fighting and debris flow response resources to Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Lake, Napa, Colusa, Glenn, El Dorado, Nevada, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

• 64 Fire Engines
• 7 Local Government Dozers
• 3 Front Loaders
• 3 Excavators
• 6 Helicopters
• 11 Hand Crews
• 36 Specialized Personnel
• 8 Swift Water Rescue Teams
• 7 US&R Companies
• 1 Regional Task Force

Additionally, CAL FIRE has 242 total engines deployed throughout the state to rapidly respond, including 109 staffed in the Southern Region and 133 in the Northern Region. 

Watershed and debris work: To date, the Cal OES Watershed and Debris Flow Task Force deployed over 120 miles of protective measures:

• 606,576 feet of compost sock.
• 22,625 feet straw wattle.
• 7,500 feet silt fence.
• 7,960 feet of K-rail secured for use by local government partners.

Cal OES, in partnership with Caltrans, California Conservation Corps, California State Parks and California Geological Survey, is clearing sediment from an impacted community in the Pacific Palisades to help residents stay safe from debris flows and storm impacts. 

CalGuard proactively removed 298,335 cubic yards of debris and materials from the Sierra Madre Villa Basin and Eaton Canyon Reservoir.

319,000 sandbags and 5,600 super sacks were deployed to Southern California locations through the Department of Water Resources (DWR).

How to prepare

Floods

• Flash floods can develop very quickly. Be ready to evacuate all people and animals to higher ground if ordered.
• Have emergency supplies packed in a Go Bag.
• Keep your car gas tank at least half full in case you are asked to evacuate. There may be traffic and delays.
• Never drive around barricades or drive or walk through floodwater. It may be deeper than you think and can sweep you or your car away. Turn around, don’t drown!

Power outages

• Keep phone batteries fully charged and save your battery power by limiting phone use during an outage.
• Sign up for alerts through your energy company so you can be notified about any energy issues. If you use electric medical and/or assistive devices, be sure to enroll in a medical baseline program to ensure you’re safe if the power goes off.
• If your needs cannot be met during a power outage, plan with caregivers for transportation to a location with power.

High winds

• Flying debris can be a killer. Stay indoors or in a sheltered location. Avoid driving if possible.
• Secure any loose items outside that could blow away and cause damage or injury.
• Stay away from trees and power lines, and never go near downed power lines. Avoid anything that may be touching a downed line, including tree branches and vehicles.

Cold temperatures

• Body temperature can drop to unsafe levels in cold temperatures. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you must go outside, dress warmly in insulating layers, gloves, scarves, socks and a hat.
• Heat your home safely. Do not use stoves, camp stoves, generators or gas/charcoal grills for heat inside your home. The fumes are deadly.
• Know where you will go if your home becomes too cold. You could go to a friend’s house, community center, shopping mall or public library. Check with county emergency officials about warming centers available near you.

Deep snow

• Heavy snowfall can cause power outages and trap you in your home for days.
• Gather food, water and medicine before a snowstorm.
• If you must travel, let someone know where you are going so they know where to search for you in an emergency.

Mudslides

• Find out if your area is at high risk due to steep slopes and runoff, prior mudflows, floods or burn scars from wildfires.
• Mudslides are dangerous even after the rain has stopped. Use caution and remain vigilant for days after.

Pay attention to weather reports and evacuate immediately if ordered.