Governor Newsom slams Trump’s disaster retreat as California prepares for dangerous El Niño storms
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Oct 21, 2026

Governor Newsom slams Trump's disaster retreat as California prepares for dangerous El Niño storms

Donald Trump, helping Americans survive and recover from disasters should never be up for debate

What you need to know: FEMA promises to help people "before, during, and after disasters," guided by compassion and fairness. Now, the Trump administration is telling states that they're on their own. During California Flood Preparedness Week, Governor Newsom is calling out that betrayal of FEMA's mission as California works to fill the void left by the federal government's retreat — staging emergency supplies, inspecting levees, and helping communities prepare for dangerous El Niño storms.

SACRAMENTO – As California prepares for dangerous El Niño storms, Governor Gavin Newsom today condemned the Trump administration's push to abandon Americans in states across the nation when disaster strikes — abandoning the very people FEMA exists to help.

During California Flood Preparedness Week, the Governor today also drew a sharp contrast between the Trump administration's retreat from federal disaster support and California's work to protect communities, urging Californians to prepare for flooding as the state takes early action ahead of anticipated El Niño storms.

In the growing absence of the federal government, and building on the Governor's September state of emergency proclamation, California state agencies are coordinating with local communities, procuring and staging flood-fighting supplies, inspecting levees and water infrastructure, and helping coastal communities reduce flood, landslide, and coastal hazards.

Donald Trump's FEMA has a message for Americans facing disaster: DROP DEAD.

They swore an oath to serve this country and protect the American people. Now they're abandoning FEMA's mission and telling Americans in states across the country to fend for themselves. When disaster strikes, Americans help one another regardless of politics. California is doing its job. It's time for President Trump to do his.

Governor Gavin Newsom

Pallets of sandbags and other materials are prepositioned ahead of upcoming storms.

Preparing before storms arrive

Under the Governor's direction, the Department of Water Resources (DWR), the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), and local partners are preparing for potential flooding statewide. Work includes:
  • Staging emergency supplies: Cal OES and DWR have positioned flood-fighting materials at 70 locations statewide, including 6.2 million sandbags, more than 52,000 feet of portable flood barriers, and 400,000 tons of rock for emergency levee repairs.
  • Inspecting flood infrastructure: Each fall, crews inspect all 1,600 miles of levees in the State Plan of Flood Control system and prepare bypasses, weirs, and other flood-control structures to help protect communities.
  • Supporting local preparedness: DWR is coordinating with cities, counties, and other partners through regional preparedness workshops, technical assistance, engineering guidance, and emergency-response planning. Cal OES is supporting coordination and reviewing dam emergency action plans to help protect downstream communities.

"Flood Preparedness Week is a call to action to protect Californians before flooding puts lives at risk," said Cal OES Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs. "Cal OES is working with our state and local partners to strengthen emergency plans, get response resources ready, and help residents understand the risks they face. The work we do together now can give families more time to reach safety and responders the support they need to save lives."

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"Now is the time to prepare for emergencies, and the strong El Niño conditions that are developing make preparation more important than ever," said DWR Director Tom Gibson. "While DWR and our partners are taking proactive steps to prepare for extreme weather, true preparedness begins at home. Taking just a few steps today can protect your family during severe storms."

"Preparing for floods requires coordination long before the first major storm arrives," said Laura Hollender, DWR deputy director of Flood Management and Dam Safety. "Our teams are inspecting infrastructure, coordinating with local flood management agencies, and positioning emergency supplies throughout the state so we can respond quickly when conditions change. We want Californians to take that same proactive approach to protecting their families and homes."

Know your flood risk before El Niño storms arrive

El Niño refers to the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Usually, the tropical western Pacific is warmer than the tropical eastern Pacific. In El Niño, that temperature difference narrows, and the eastern Pacific warms significantly. This changes circulation and precipitation patterns around the world.

Specific local impacts are unpredictable, but El Niño often brings more frequent and intense storms over California. These storms can produce dangerous flooding, landslides, debris flows, erosion, and other dangerous impacts.

Flooding can happen beyond areas traditionally considered high-risk. Communities near recent wildfire burn scars should be especially alert because heavy rain can trigger dangerous flooding and debris flows. Californians can take steps now to understand their risks and prepare before storms arrive:
  • Sign up for alerts. Get local emergency alerts here and follow trusted sources.
  • Find your flood risk. Visit Cal OES's MyHazards tool and enter your home or workplace address to explore flood hazards and other natural hazards in your area. The tool provides location-based information and recommended steps to help reduce your risk.
  • Stay informed. Pay attention to weather forecasts and sign up for emergency alerts from your city or county. Conditions can change quickly during major storms, so follow instructions from local emergency officials.
  • Have an evacuation plan. Know where you would go and how you would get there if you need to leave quickly. Keep an emergency kit ready, including plans, medications, and supplies for pets and other animals.
  • Never drive through floodwater. Water on flooded roads can be deeper and faster-moving than it appears, and roadways may be damaged or washed out beneath the water. Turn around and find another route.
  • Prepare for coastal hazards. Coastal property owners and communities can visit the California Coastal Commission's El Niño preparedness page for guidance on preparing for large waves, coastal flooding, and erosion. Resources include preparedness checklists for homeowners and local governments, steps to protect shoreline properties, and information on emergency permits.

For flood-risk tips by region, a household checklist, and what to do after a storm, see Cal OES's Ready California El Niño preparedness guide.

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