Super El Niño: California declares emergency as Hurricane Polo remains Category 5 off Mexico

US federal forecasts put the chance of a very strong El Niño above 90% this autumn and winter, with a 75% probability that the event could reach historic strength. California has declared a state of emergency ahead of the winter weather threat, while Hurricane Polo remains a Category 5 storm off Mexico.California Gov Gavin Newsom declared the emergency on Monday to mobilize resources before the El Niño peaks this winter. The order allows the state to position resources in advance and coordinate preparations for severe weather.California is likely to be among the US areas most exposed to the unusually strong climate cycle. Previous strong El Niño events have frequently brought damaging conditions to the state, while studies have associated them with above-normal precipitation, Cable News Network (CNN) reported.The effects are already being seen along the California coast, where El Niño has pushed sea levels higher.