Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties due to the damage caused by the recent winter storms.
The bad weather has caused flooding and mud and debris flow, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents. The storm even washed out a portion of Highway 1 in Monterey County last week. The emergency proclamation instructs Caltrans to formally request immediate assistance through the Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief Program and the OES to assist local governments.