Governor Patrick Declares State Of Emergency Ahead Of Hurricane Sandy
FRAMINGHAM (CBS) - Governor Patrick declared a State of Emergency on Saturday ahead of Hurricane Sandy.
A State Of Emergency "allows the Governor broad authorities to implement emergency measures to ensure the safety and health of the residents of the Commonwealth, take appropriate steps to mobilize state assets, and conduct other emergency business for the protection of the Commonwealth," according to the state's website.
Governor Patrick has also called up 1,000 members of the National Guard to help with storm preps, evacuations during the storm, and storm response.
The governor has also submitted a request for a federal Pre-Landfall Emergency Declaration in order to obtain direct federal assistance.
Gallery: Latest Sandy Forecast Maps
Sandy is currently located about 350 miles southeast of Charleston, South Carolina. The storm is likely to make landfall in New Jersey, but New England is expected to feel some of the storm's most dramatic effects due to the large and expanding nature of Sandy on Monday.
Check: Tracking Maps | Interactive Radar | Current Conditions | Forecast Maps
Emergency officials are warning the public to take precautions and make sure they are prepared for the storm. Wind and coastal flooding are expected to be major issues. The rain could also cause some problems.
Several regional shelters will be opened on Cape Cod Monday morning, if conditions warrant it. Locations will open at 8 a.m. at Nauset Regional High School, Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, and Sandwich High School
Power outages are expected to be widespread and could potentially last for several days in some locations. Utility companies National Grid and NStar say they have already submitted plans to the governor detailing their expected response efforts to those outages.
WBZ-TV's Bree Sison reports on inland residents' Sandy preparations from Natick
WBZ-TV's Paul Burton reports on coastal towns' Sandy preparations from Scituate
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe Reports
