Newsom said the emergency declaration would allow state agencies to act more quickly for potential severe weather, including securing roads and critical infrastructure, positioning emergency supplies, and helping local partners to mitigate flood, landslide, and coastal risks.

"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," he said in a statement.

The proclamation directs state agencies to take measures to reduce flood risks and pre-position food-fighting supplies such as sandbags and pumps.

It prepares the California National Guard to assist flood response, search-and-rescue efforts, engineering, and logistics missions when needed, according to the governor's office.

The governor also instructed state environmental and natural resources agencies to expedite permitting for projects that are focused on addressing flooding, landslides, and debris flows in the state.

"Through the governor's state of emergency, we're cutting red tape and fast-tracking the flood-protection and broader preparedness work communities need now," California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot said in a statement.

El Niño is a climate pattern marked by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

Newsom's office said California could experience repeated rounds of heavy rain, strong winds, landslides, debris flows, and coastal flooding in the coming months due to El Niño.

"We are preparing for this El Niño early because every Californian deserves to be safe in their home, connected to their community, and protected when severe weather comes," the governor said.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecast a 75 percent chance that this year's El Niño, expected to occur between October and December, could become a historic event exceeding the strength of previous events recorded in 1950.