California Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency for eight counties, including Riverside, as a series of winter storms began impacting much of the state with high winds, damaging rain, and heavy snowfall.
In addition to Riverside County, the proclamation covers the counties of San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.
Heavy rain and powerful winds are likely to prompt flash flooding conditions and possible power outages. Streets and highways may experience road closures, and local rivers and creeks in recent burn areas may be overwhelmed with excessive runoff debris flow.
The emergency proclamation includes provisions authorizing a California National Guard response if tasked, facilitating unemployment benefits for impacted residents, and making it easier for out-of-state contractors and utilities to repair storm damage.
Several cities and counties are offering resources such as sandbag distribution. Riverside County residents can sign up for emergency response system warnings at www.rivcoready.org/alert-rivco.
