September 30, 2026
CVV News
Merced County has proclaimed a local emergency to support preparedness efforts ahead of the 2026–27 winter season and the potential impacts associated with a strengthening El Niño weather pattern.
The proclamation is intended to allow Merced County to take proactive steps to prepare county departments, emergency response agencies, infrastructure, and communities for the possibility of significant winter weather, including periods of heavy rainfall, localized flooding, storm-related damage, transportation disruptions, and other weather-related impacts.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), El Niño conditions are strengthening, with a greater than 90 percent chance of a very strong event during the Northern Hemisphere fall and winter of 2026–27. NOAA also emphasizes that El Niño increases the likelihood of certain weather patterns but does not guarantee specific impacts in any particular community.
“Proclaiming a local emergency now gives Merced County the opportunity to prepare before severe weather arrives,” said Daron McDaniel, Chairman of the Merced County Board of Supervisors. “Our responsibility is to be proactive, protect our residents and communities, and make sure our emergency response system is ready. We encourage residents to take this opportunity to review their own emergency plans and stay informed as we move into the winter season.”
“Preparedness is about taking action before an emergency occurs,” said Mark Hendrickson, Merced County Executive Officer. “This proclamation allows Merced County to focus resources and coordination on reducing potential impacts to our communities, roads, drainage systems, public facilities, and essential services. We are working to make sure the County is positioned to respond quickly and effectively if significant weather impacts develop.”
Adam Amaral, Merced County Office of Emergency Services Manager, emphasized the importance of individual and community preparedness.
“El Niño does not mean that every storm will be severe, but it does mean we need to be ready for the possibility of changing weather conditions and significant rainfall events,” Amaral said. “Residents can take simple steps now such as clearing debris from drainage areas around their homes, reviewing emergency plans, identifying evacuation routes, preparing emergency supplies, and staying connected to official emergency information.”
The Merced County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider and ratify the proclamation at its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
The public is invited to attend the meeting in person at:
Merced County Administration Building
2222 M Street, 3rd Floor, Board Room
Merced, California 95340
Members of the public may also watch the meeting live online through the County’s available video broadcast and Merced County’s Facebook page. The October 6th meeting will include a presentation regarding the County’s preparedness efforts and the emergency proclamation.
The County encourages residents, businesses, agricultural operations, and community organizations to use the coming weeks to review their emergency plans and prepare for potential winter weather.
For meeting information, agendas, live video, and additional Board of Supervisors information, visit the official Merced County website.
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