President Barack Obama issued an emergency declaration for New Jersey, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make federal aid available to the state before Hurricane Sandy's arrival.

On Sunday, Gov. Chris Christie formally requested the president declare a pre-landfall emergency for New Jersey.

FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency, according to a press release issued by the agency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding.

"This assistance will enhance the State's capability to respond quickly and put assets into place where they are needed to help New Jersey residents impacted by Hurricane Sandy," Christie said in a press release.

The governor is scheduled to hold a press conference at 12:15 p.m. to discuss the state's response in advance of the storm. The press conference can be streamed live.