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California Governor Issues Executive Order to Catch Oncoming Stormwater

An ‘atmospheric river’ is expected to hit Northern California starting on Feb. 7.
California Governor Issues Executive Order to Catch Oncoming Stormwater
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (R) tours the downtown business district of Pacific Palisades as the Palisades Fire continues to burn in Los Angeles on Jan. 8, 2025. Eric Thayer/Getty Images
Jill McLaughlin
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California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the state’s water resources agency to find ways to maximize water storage to catch some of the stormwater expected to hit the state in an upcoming “atmospheric river” event, he announced on Jan. 31.

The executive order aims to make it easier to divert and store water from incoming winter storms, including the downpour expected to hit Northern California starting on Feb. 7.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
Author
Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.