President Barack Obama has signed an emergency declaration for Massachusetts, ordering federal aid to supplement state and local response due to emergency conditions resulting from the major storm that's hitting the Northeast.
The action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist with emergency measures throughout the state.
Gov. Deval Patrick directed all schools and state offices to close and non-emergency state workers to stay home Monday, Oct. 29 because of fierce winds and coastal flooding expected from the major storm that's hitting the Northeast.
Cities and towns on the southern New England shoreline are ordering evacuations and state officials are warning about flooding and power outages in advance of a superstorm bringing high winds and strong storm surges to the East Coast.
Several towns in Connecticut and Rhode Island told residents in vulnerable areas to leave by Sunday evening Oct. 28.
The governors of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts have all declared states of emergency. National Guard troops and utility workers are on standby.
Forecasters expect storm surges of 6 to 11 feet in coastal areas of Long Island Sound, wind gusts of up to 70 mph and several inches of rain. Utility companies are preparing for hundreds of thousands of power outages in the region.
The worst conditions are expected this afternoon and tonight.
