February’s Damage, July’s Response: Newsom Issues Delayed Emergency Order For 7 NorCal Counties

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday declared a state of emergency for seven Northern California counties after a series of atmospheric river storms earlier this year caused widespread damage, including flooding, landslides, and road closures. The declaration covers Sonoma, Mendocino, Modoc, Napa, Shasta, and Trinity counties, which were hit hard by the so-called “2025 February Storms” between Jan. 31 and Feb. 17. “These 2025 February Storms resulted in excessive rainfall, landslides, and widespread flooding affecting roads and waterways,” Newsom said in the emergency declaration signed Tuesday. “I find that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist.” The governor cited Government Code section 8558(b), stating that the magnitude of the damage is “likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of any single local government” and requires regional mutual aid. He also found that “local authority is inadequate to cope with the magnitude of the extreme peril.” Newsom ordered state agencies to assist with response efforts and calls for the use of state resources under the coordination of the Office of Emergency Services. It also authorizes Caltrans to seek immediate federal highway aid, and suspends certain restrictions from the state’s price gouging law. The Cal OES is also instructed to provide financial assistance to Modoc, Shasta, and Trinity counties under the California Disaster Assistance Act. Northern California endured major impacts during the February storms, with rainfall totals ranging from 1 to 3 inches, and North Bay areas receiving as much as 4 inches, according to the National Weather Service. In Sonoma County alone, two fatalities were reported within 24 hours as floodwaters surged. Many communities saw evacuations, and major highways such as U.S. Highway 101 and Interstate Highway 5 were temporarily closed due to flooding. Throughout Napa County, the atmospheric river dumped heavy rain and caused flooding, landslides, fallen trees and damaged roads and bridges. Mendocino County residents also faced widespread disruptions during the atmospheric river event. Heavy rainfall and saturated soils contributed to landslides and flooding along key roadways, leading Caltrans to close sections of Highway 101, state Highway 128, and Highway 175.