California declares state of emergency ahead of 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.