With new storms set to batter California, Newsom seeks urgent federal help
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom is asking the Biden administration to declare a federal emergency before storms that are expected to batter an already beleaguered state this week.
Speaking at a news conference Sunday, Newsom said his office is in active communication with the White House to get the full support of the federal government in preparation for this week’s storms.
He said the most extreme conditions are expected in the next 48 hours.
“We expect to see the worst of it still in front of us,” said Newsom, who was surrounded by emergency service personnel in Sacramento. “We’re anticipating very intense weather coming in tomorrow and Tuesday morning.”
More than 375,000 customers lost power in Northern California overnight Saturday as the latest powerful winter storm pushed through the region, elevating the danger for flooding and bringing intense winds that downed trees.
Wind gusts topped 60 mph in some parts of the Sacramento region, according to the National Weather Service, causing a massive loss of power. Utility officials have been working to restore power but said it will take time.
As of Sunday afternoon, more than 100,000 remained without power.
Pacific Gas & Electric, which had customers without power, deployed 4,000 crew members dedicated to storm restoration, which includes their own personnel, contractors and mutual aid from Southern California and as far away as
