Storm recovery in California receives support from Gov. Newsom

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Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Monday to step up emergency response to deadly storms that have hit the state with floods, mudslides and untold billions of dollars in property damage.

The order allows the state to deploy more first responders than usual, waive fees to replace damaged or lost records, and keep schools open in Merced County, which has been one of the state’s hardest hit areas.

The governor’s order follows efforts by the federal and state governments to get California the money and assistance it needs to respond to severe hurricanes that have killed at least 20 people.

Last week, President Joe Biden approved a “major disaster declaration” and “declaration of emergency” for California, which opens up access to federal funding and resources to respond to the hurricane.

The entire bay area is still under flood watch and coastal flood warning. Forecasters expect the storms to continue into next week, plus or minus a few days of calm.

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Although severe weather is likely to fade in the coming week, the risk of flooding remains high as near-constant downpours have soaked the soil for several weeks.

The National Weather Service said historically wet weather pushed San Francisco to see its annual water total rise to 20.3 inches since October last year, topping the city’s annual average eight months to go.

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