Santa Clara Valley Water declared a precautionary emergency in Santa Clara County to prepare for potentially severe winter storms and flooding.

The declaration follows Gov. Gavin Newsom’s statewide emergency proclamation last month, which was prompted by forecasts of a strengthening El Niño pattern that could bring above-average rainfall to Northern California.

The emergency allows Valley Water to quickly purchase equipment, stockpile flood supplies and secure services to protect infrastructure.

Residents are encouraged to prepare emergency plans, sign up for alerts and locate free sandbag stations ahead of winter.