Gov. Gavin Newsom declares state storm emergency in multiple counties, including Sacramento

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency Thursday in several counties as a result of recent winter storms.

“Today, the Governor has declared a State of Emergency in multiple counties to amplify the response to and the recovery from these winter storms,” said Mark Ghilarducci, Director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

The counties include Alameda, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Humboldt, Lake, Los Angeles, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Sierra, and Yuba.

Storms across California have caused power outages, damaged structures, fallen trees and barricaded roads, according to the state of emergency announcement.

Due to large amounts of snowfall, Caltrans is urging people to avoid traveling to the Sierra Nevada.

In Southern California, storms drenched and flooded certain areas.

“California continues to work aggressively to help our communities manage and recover from the series of storms that have impacted the state over the past week,” Ghilarducci said in a release.

As a part of the state of emergency, all state agencies will use and provide personnel, equipment and centers for any related plans or activities for the storms.

Cal OES will also be working with Caltrans, California Highway Patrol, Cal Fire and other state authorities to respond to issues related to the storm.

Currently, Caltrans has staff in the mountains clearing roadways and are deploying more than 600 snowplows across the state, according to Cal OES.

Cal OES Fire and Rescue division is working with counties to prepare for mud flows, avalanches and flash floods.

Agencies are also assisting with setting up warming shelters and providing resources, such as power charging stations, blankets and water.

If you need help or services or have questions, dial 211 or 311.

This story was originally published December 30, 2021 at 6:07 PM.