California declares state of emergency ahead of historic El Niño season

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday declared a state of emergency for California ahead of what is expected to be a historic El Niño season.

"California is strongest when we look out for one another. That is what this action is about. Giving communities the support they need, giving first responders the tools to do their jobs, and giving families the confidence that their state is ready," Newsom said in a statement.

The move puts statewide agencies on alert ahead of potentially powerful winter storms and other significant weather impacts during the upcoming rainy season.

The declaration mostly helps streamline efforts to help prepare the state for what is expected to be a historic weather event. It directs crews to prepare roads and critical infrastructure, stage emergency supplies and help communities brace for flooding, landslides and coastal impacts.

"We're viewing this event like a pre-landfall hurricane as you might see in other parts of our country," said Brian Ferguson, a senior advisor with Newsom's office during a press conference.

Forecasters expect El Niño to strengthen in the months ahead.

Laura Hollender, deputy director at California's Department of Water Resources, said projected king tides slated for November and December could make conditions along the Southern California coast especially dangerous.