California Declares El Niño Emergency as Pasadena and Eaton Fire Areas Prepare for Storms
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a statewide state of emergency on September 21, 2026, as California prepares for a strengthening El Niño that federal forecasters say could become one of the strongest events in the modern record.
For Pasadena, Altadena and communities below the Eaton Fire burn scar, the declaration carries particular significance. California’s emergency proclamation specifically warns that areas affected by recent wildfires face increased risks of flash flooding, mud and debris flows, erosion and road closures during intense rainfall.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center said on September 10 that there is a greater than 90 percent chance of a very strong El Niño during fall and winter 2026 to 2027. NOAA also gives the October through December period a 75 percent chance of reaching what it defines as historic strength, exceeding previous El Niño events in its record dating to 1950.
That does not guarantee an unusually wet winter in Pasadena. NOAA cautions that even a very strong El Niño does not determine the exact location, timing or severity of individual storms. It does increase the likelihood of weather impacts typically associated with strong El Niño conditions.
What California’s El Niño Emergency Declaration Does
Newsom’s proclamation directs state agencies to begin preparing personnel, equipment and emergency supplies before severe winter weather develops.
The California Department of Water Resources is directed to prepare and stage flood fighting materials, including sandbags, pumps, plastic sheeting and rock materials. Caltrans is directed to identify vulnerable highways, bridges, culverts, slopes and drainage facilities and prepare equipment for locations facing elevated storm risks.
The proclamation also directs state agencies to accelerate permitting and technical assistance for local flood protection, debris removal, sediment management and other projects intended to reduce the threat from flooding, landslides and debris flows.
The California Military Department is also being directed to identify California National Guard personnel and equipment that could support operations including search and rescue, evacuation assistance, transportation, debris removal and flood response if activated.
Newsom said, “California is strongest when we look out for one another. That is what this action is about.”
Why the Eaton Fire Burn Scar Matters
Wildfire burn scars can become particularly vulnerable when intense rain falls on damaged watersheds.
The state’s proclamation specifically identifies recently burned areas as susceptible to flash flooding, mud and debris flows, erosion, sediment movement and road closures during high intensity rainfall.
That concern directly applies to portions of the San Gabriel Mountains and foothill communities affected by the Eaton Fire.
Los Angeles County Public Works has previously warned that the burned Eaton Fire watershed could send significant amounts of sediment into the Eaton Wash Reservoir during storm conditions. The county undertook emergency sediment removal work to preserve the reservoir’s ability to protect downstream communities from flooding.
For residents in Altadena and areas near the Eaton Fire burn scar, storm risk will depend on where rain falls, how quickly it falls and the condition of individual slopes and drainage channels. Residents should follow official evacuation warnings and orders rather than assuming every storm will produce the same level of danger.
Pasadena Is Preparing for the 2026 to 2027 Storm Season
Pasadena’s Municipal Services Committee is scheduled to receive an informational report on El Niño preparedness at its September 22 meeting at Pasadena City Hall.
The meeting begins at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, Room S249, at 100 North Garfield Avenue.
According to the city’s preparedness report described by Pasadena Now, Pasadena’s Fire Department, Public Works Department and Pasadena Water and Power are coordinating preparations for potentially severe winter weather.
Public Works preparations include inspecting and cleaning catch basins, checking known drainage trouble spots, monitoring hillside areas and preparing pumps, generators, barricades, emergency lighting and other response equipment.
Pasadena Water and Power plans inspections of utility poles, transformers, substations and other infrastructure, with additional attention to facilities near recently burned areas. The utility also plans to test mobile generators and review protections for water facilities that could be affected by debris flows or high stream flows.
The city is also coordinating with the National Weather Service, Los Angeles County agencies, neighboring cities and the American Red Cross on weather monitoring, emergency alerts, shelter planning and other storm preparations.
Pasadena Now reports that the city also plans a community preparedness workshop on September 28 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Residents should confirm details with the City of Pasadena before attending.
What Pasadena and Altadena Residents Can Do Now
State and local agencies are encouraging residents to prepare before major storms enter the forecast.
People who live near the Eaton Fire burn scar should know their evacuation zone, register for local emergency alerts and keep an emergency kit accessible.
Residents throughout Pasadena and surrounding communities can also clear gutters and drainage areas around their property, inspect sump pumps where applicable and monitor National Weather Service forecasts as storms approach.
Pasadena officials also recommend that households prepare to function for at least 72 hours without immediate assistance from first responders.
According to Pasadena Now’s reporting on the city’s preparedness plans, sandbags are available at Pasadena Fire Stations 37 and 38. Residents should verify availability before traveling to a station.
Does El Niño Mean Pasadena Will Have a Record Wet Winter?
Not necessarily.
A strong El Niño influences large scale weather patterns, but it cannot tell forecasters exactly how much rain Pasadena will receive or where individual storms will travel.
NOAA says the current El Niño is strengthening and has a greater than 90 percent chance of becoming very strong this fall and winter. The agency also puts the probability of historic strength during October through December at 75 percent.
Even at that strength, specific local impacts are not guaranteed.
What the forecast does provide is additional reason for California and local governments to prepare early for flooding, debris flows, infrastructure damage and other potential winter storm impacts.
For Pasadena and Altadena, the condition of the Eaton Fire burn scar makes that preparation especially important.
Everything Pasadena will continue tracking NOAA forecasts, National Weather Service alerts, City of Pasadena preparations and Los Angeles County guidance as the 2026 to 2027 storm season develops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did California declare a state of emergency for El Niño in 2026?
Yes. Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a statewide state of emergency on September 21, 2026, because of the developing 2026 to 2027 El Niño event.
How strong is the 2026 El Niño expected to become?
NOAA says there is a greater than 90 percent chance of a very strong El Niño during fall and winter 2026 to 2027, with a 75 percent chance of reaching historic strength during October through December.
Does El Niño mean Pasadena will definitely have heavy rain?
No. El Niño increases the likelihood of certain weather patterns and storm impacts, but it does not guarantee a specific amount of rain in Pasadena or Southern California.
Why is the Eaton Fire burn scar a concern during storms?
Recently burned areas can face greater risks of flash flooding, erosion, mud and debris flows during intense rainfall because wildfire can significantly alter vegetation, soil conditions and how water moves through a watershed.
California’s emergency proclamation specifically identifies recently burned areas as vulnerable to those hazards.
How is Pasadena preparing for El Niño?
City preparations include inspecting drainage systems and utilities, cleaning catch basins, preparing pumps and generators, staging emergency equipment and coordinating with regional emergency agencies.
Sources
Governor of California, “Governor Newsom Proclaims State of Emergency to Bolster Statewide El Niño Preparedness, Protect California”
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/09/21/governor-newsom-proclaims-state-of-emergency-to-bolster-statewide-el-nino-preparedness-protect-california/
Governor of California, State of Emergency Proclamation, September 21, 2026
https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SIGNED_Super-El-Nino-SOE-9-21-26.pdf
NOAA Climate Prediction Center, El Niño Southern Oscillation Diagnostic Discussion
https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.html
City of Pasadena, Municipal Services Committee Meeting, September 22, 2026
https://www.cityofpasadena.net/event/municipal-services-committee-meeting-09-22-26/
Los Angeles County Public Works, Eaton Wash Dam Post Fire Emergency Project Fact Sheet
https://pw.lacounty.gov/projects/uploads/2025/02/Eaton-Wash-Dam-Post-Fire-Emergency-Project-Fact-Sheet-02252025_EN.pdf