Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in California to prepare for a strengthening El Niño event, with federal forecasters placing the odds of a very strong event above 90% and a 75% chance it could reach historic strength. The proclamation mobilizes state resources, streamlines procurement, and directs agencies to prepare flood-control infrastructure, stage supplies, and support local authorities across flood-, landslide-, and coastal-risk zones.
For California agriculture — which supplies a significant share of North America's leafy greens, citrus, grapes, strawberries, and other major commodities — the potential for heavy rain, flooding, high winds, and infrastructure disruption during fall and winter is a material supply chain concern. Flooded or damaged roads could affect transport in and out of major growing regions including Salinas Valley, Oxnard/Ventura, and the Central Valley.
El Niño doesn't guarantee a wet winter, but the declared emergency signals that state officials are treating this as a serious risk. Category managers and buyers with winter sourcing programs tied to California should monitor weather forecasts closely and assess contingency sourcing options heading into Q4.