California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Sept. 21 as the state prepares for what he described as the strongest El Niño storm season on record.

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.

“With an event of this magnitude, the chances of experiencing impacts consistent with El Niño are larger, though not guaranteed,” the weather agency said in a Sept. 10 advisory.

NOAA said there is more than a 90 percent chance that El Niño could reach “very strong” levels during the Northern Hemisphere fall and winter.

California has already experienced coastal flooding this year attributed to the phenomenon, as El Niño-driven “Kelvin waves” raise sea levels and offshore Pacific hurricanes send strong waves that batter the California coast, according to the governor’s office, which called on residents to prepare for potential severe weather.