California stages 4.4 million sandbags and inspects levees ahead of El Niño storms

Oct. 9, 2026 — California has stockpiled 4.4 million sandbags, more than 52,000 feet of portable flood barriers and 400,000 tons of rock at 68 sites, and is inspecting 1,600 miles of state levees ahead of El Niño storms, Gov. Gavin Newsom's office said. Under his Sept. 21 emergency proclamation, the Coastal Commission can act on qualifying emergency permits within 24 hours. The office said Kelvin waves have raised sea levels this year, and that scientists attribute recent coastal flooding to El Niño.

The wall: Which scientists the release relies on, and which flooding it refers to, were not named.

Tier: Confirmed (based on the governor's release)

Sources

• Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom, Ahead of El Niño this winter, Governor Newsom prepares California for winter storms and flooding impacts (Oct. 9, 2026)

weather disaster, accident and emergency incident

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