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Updated October 2, 2026

A NASA satellite view of a low-pressure storm system spinning toward the northern California coast, with Monterey Bay visible beneath the clouds. NOAA puts the odds of a "very strong" El Niño this fall and winter at 90 percent, and Salinas has declared a local state of emergency to prepare.

SALINAS

Salinas declares a local state of emergency as a historic El Niño looms

The council's unanimous vote gives the city manager broader spending power and unlocks faster creek-clearing work, as NOAA puts the odds of a "very strong" El Niño at 90 percent.

By Deshawn Carter · October 1, 2026