Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday declared a statewide emergency for California, warning of damaging storms that could be generated this winter from a historically strong El Niño brewing in the Pacific Ocean. The move is the latest sign that emergency officials are growing increasingly concerned about flooding, landslides, coastal damage and power outages as winter approaches. The declaration fast-tracks permits for flood protection projects and allows state agencies to obtain emergency supplies without the usual competitive bidding process. … On Monday, state emergency officials said they are already holding planning meetings with cities and counties to identify places most at risk, and are beginning to clear drains on roads and preposition resources, such as sandbags, in locations across the state.

Other El Niño news:

• KJZZ (Phoenix): ‘Unprecedented’ super El Niño is on its way. Could it help boost Arizona’s drying up reservoirs?
• San Francisco Chronicle: Newsom declares state of emergency for El Niño that could pound California coast
• The Sacramento Bee (Calif.): Newsom declares statewide emergency as Super El Niño breaks into record territory
• Los Angeles Times: A ‘super’ El Niño is about to crash into California: 9 essential ways to prepare
• NBC Bay Area (San Jose, Calif.): California declares state of emergency as state braces for super El Niño storms
• CBS Sacramento (Calif.): San Joaquin delta communities prepare for potential record-breaking El Niño
• The Mendocino Voice (Calif.): UC climate scientist gives the skinny on Mendocino County’s winter
• Salinas Californian: California state of emergency: Could El Niño impact Monterey County coast?