CALIFORNIA, USA — In an effort to support the recovery and response of counties walloped by potent winter storms, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in 13 counties.
The emergency declaration applies to Amador, Kern, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, Nevada, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Sierra, Sonoma and Tulare counties.
The storms caused power outages for thousands in the Sierra, stranded drivers along Interstate 80 and Highway 50, and even resulted in a Blizzard Warning in the northern Sierra.
In addition to the declaration, the governor also activated the State Operations Center to bring support to county-led emergency responses and to coordinate mutual aid. Officials said there are state personnel supporting San Bernardino County and working closely with county-led incident command to deploy resources.
Officials are trying to bring in additional snow plows for San Bernardino County with other personnel ready to support their operations. Private companies were also contracted to hasten snow removal and clear the roadways.
The state is coordinating with investor-owned utilities to rapidly restore power.
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