Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a statewide emergency on Monday, Sept. 21, to prepare California for what forecasters say could be the strongest El Niño on record.

The declaration carries direct implications for Carlsbad, where the city declared its own local emergency on Sept. 9 to fast-track stabilization of an eroding coastal bluff along south Carlsbad Boulevard. The state proclamation directs environmental and natural resources agencies to fast-track permitting for local flood and landslide preparation, according to the governor's office. That could speed Carlsbad's work with the California Coastal Commission on emergency permits for the bluff project.

About 6 of Carlsbad's 7 miles of coastline are owned and managed by the State of California through State Parks, including Tamarack State Beach. The city does not have authority to lead repairs on that state-owned property, according to a Sept. 3 city update.

Federal forecasters put the chance of a very strong El Niño this fall and winter above 90%, with a 75% chance it could reach historic strength, according to the governor's office. CNN, citing UC Santa Cruz researcher Patrick Barnard, reported the expected rise in coastal water levels during this El Niño, from six inches to a foot, would threaten an additional 170,000 people and $60 billion in property nationwide compared to a non-super El Niño year.

The stakes are high statewide. The proclamation directs state agencies to stage flood-fighting supplies such as sandbags and pumps and pre-position critical equipment. Caltrans is ordered to stage traffic-control and road-closure equipment along at-risk highways. The California National Guard is prepared to support flood response, search-and-rescue and logistics missions. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has already positioned 4.4 million sandbags at 68 locations statewide, ABC7 reported.

Carlsbad City Manager Geoff Patnoe said in a Sept. 10 city update, before the state proclamation, that "I know coastal erosion is an issue that many people in Carlsbad are watching closely, especially as we prepare for the possibility of a strong El Niño." A geotechnical report received Sept. 8 recommended extending the existing rock revetment approximately 192 feet to the north along south Carlsbad Boulevard.

City crews were clearing a culvert near Kelly and Park drives the week of Sept. 24 to help prevent flooding, according to the city's latest update. Other preparations include reviewing emergency action plans for the Calavera, Maerkle and Mahr dams, readying swift water rescue and Urban Search & Rescue teams, and coordinating sandbag distribution.

The Carlsbad City Council's Sept. 29 agenda includes continuing the local emergency declaration for bluff erosion north of Encinas Creek on the west side of Carlsbad Boulevard.

Residents can sign up for emergency alerts through the county's AlertSanDiego system and monitor updates at carlsbadca.gov.