Report Prepared by: Craig J. Cornwell, City Attorney
Title
SUBJECT: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-64 Proclaiming the Threatened Existence of a Local Emergency Due to the Developing 2026-2027 El Niño Event
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution proclaiming the threatened existence of a local emergency within the City of Merced due to the developing 2026-2027 El Niño event and the resulting threat of severe storms, flooding, and related impacts to persons, property, and public infrastructure.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopting Resolution 2026-64, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Proclaiming the Threatened Existence of a Local Emergency Due to the Developing 2026-2027 El Niño Event.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by staff; or
2. Approve, subject to modifications by the City Council; or
3. Deny;
AUTHORITY
Merced Municipal Code section 8.20.070(A). California Emergency Services Act, including Government Code section 8630.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public Safety.
DISCUSSION
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center reported on September 10, 2026, that El Niño is strengthening, with a greater than 90 percent chance of a very strong event during the Northern Hemisphere fall and winter of 2026-2027, and a 75 percent chance that the October through December 2026 season will reach historic strength exceeding prior El Niño events dating back to 1950.
On September 21, 2026, the Governor of the State of California proclaimed a State of Emergency throughout California due to the developing 2026-2027 El Niño event and directed state agencies to take advance measures to prepare for anticipated severe weather and flooding impacts. The Governor's proclamation also encourages coordination with local governments in undertaking preparedness and flood-risk reduction activities.
The City of Merced has experienced significant flooding during prior severe storm events, including flooding of roadways and neighborhoods, rapidly rising waterways, and impacts to public infrastructure. In light of that history, advance preparation for the forecasted El Niño event may require the City to clear and maintain waterways and drainage facilities, remove vegetation and debris, acquire and stage flood-control materials and equipment, and undertake other protective measures before severe weather occurs.
Merced Municipal Code section 8.20.070(A) authorizes the Director of Emergency Services to request that the City Council proclaim the existence or threatened existence of a local emergency. Pursuant to that provision and Government Code section 8630, the Director of Emergency Services has requested that the City Council proclaim the threatened existence of a local emergency within the City of Merced.
The proposed Resolution would proclaim the threatened existence of a local emergency due to the developing 2026-2027 El Niño event and authorize reasonable and necessary preparedness and mitigation measures. During the local emergency, the City Manager, acting as Director of Emergency Services, would also be authorized to procure supplies, equipment, services, and other resources reasonably necessary to prepare for, mitigate, respond to, or recover from anticipated impacts without compliance with otherwise applicable City competitive procurement procedures, to the extent permitted by law.
The Resolution further directs City staff to separately track and document labor, equipment, materials, supplies, contracts, and other costs incurred in connection with preparation for and response to the local emergency to support any available state or federal reimbursement. The City Council will review the need for continuing the local emergency as required by Government Code section 8630 and terminate it at the earliest possible date that conditions warrant.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the proposed Resolution proclaiming the threatened existence of a local emergency. Adoption will allow the City to undertake advance preparedness and mitigation measures and provide the Director of Emergency Services with the flexibility necessary to obtain resources promptly if conditions require.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Preparation for the 2026-2027 El Niño event may require expenditures for vegetation management, clearing and maintenance of waterways and drainage facilities, debris removal, flood-control materials and equipment, contracted services, and related emergency-preparedness activities. The amount of any expenditures cannot be determined at this time. Staff will separately track and document eligible costs to record City fiscal activity and to support any available state or federal reimbursement.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution Proclaiming the Threatened Existence of a Local Emergency Due to the Developing 2026-2027 El Niño Event
2. Executive Department State of California - Proclamation of a State of Emergency