With a series of storms forecast to continue through mid-March, including an atmospheric event on a river later this week, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency Wednesday to support storm response and relief efforts in an additional 21 counties.
Among the counties that were proclaimed with a State of Emergency are Butte, El Dorado, Fresno, Humboldt, Imperial, Inyo, Lake, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Stanislaus, Tuolumne and Yuba.
Last week, the Governor declared a state of emergency in 13 counties due to the storms and activated the California Guard and State Operations Center to provide state support for county-led emergency response efforts and coordinate mutual aid. from neighboring jurisdictions.
"The state is working around the clock with local partners to deploy first responders and rescue teams to California communities," Governor Newsom said. "With more dangerous storms on the horizon, we will continue to mobilize all available resources to protect Californians."
The state has resources of personnel and equipment from the Governor's Office of Emergency Services ?Cal OES?, Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol, CAL FIRE and the California National Guard in the affected areas.
CAL FIRE and partner agencies have 43 active crews across the state, 12 of which are committed to the San Bernardino storm incident, as well as two helicopters, two bulldozers, and an Incident Management Team, among other resources. The California Guard is positioning high water vehicles in preparation for flood response operations.
Caltrans has deployed more than 4,000 crew members to hundreds of incidents across the state, working 24/7 shifts.
In San Bernardino County, more than 57 Caltrans employees operating 40 high-powered pieces of equipment, including snowplows, graders, loaders, and dumpers, have removed more than 12.6 million cubic yards of snow from state highways as of March 8. , which is equivalent to more than 3,800 Olympic swimming pools.
The California Highway Patrol ?CHP, for its acronym in English? It said it is increasing resources in specific areas to help address storm-related needs, including ensuring that air operations missions are fully staffed, ready to deploy as needed.
Cal OES has coordinated with the Department of Social Services to open six shelters in San Bernardino, Stanislaus, Madera, Butte, and Nevada counties, and has facilitated food donations through the California Grocery Association to provide meal kits in San Bernardino County.
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