BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Deval Patrick has declared a state of emergency for Massachusetts as Hurricane Sandy approaches, threatening to dump heavy rain and damaging winds that could cause widespread power outages.
Patrick also said Saturday that 200 members of the National Guard are already on standby and the number will rise to at least 1,000 by the time the storm hits Massachusetts on Monday.
Sandy will hit Massachusetts beginning Sunday night and peak Monday and Tuesday. The storm will cause moderate to major coastal flooding and severe beach erosion. There will be bands of heavy rain with potential for at least 5 inches over several days.
Patrick says the declaration of state of emergency will help state officials quickly secure necessary services, supplies and personnel needed to be in place ahead of the storm.
Honoring the Bay State's fallen heroes
Fast moving blaze destroys Lynn, Mass. church
Cape Cod town rebuilding shoreline ahead of tourist season
Shake-up on Beacon Hill as Lt. Gov. expected to resign
3-alarm fire destroys Lynn, Mass. church
Beach erosion closes Sandwich, Mass. beach
13-year-old found safe after Mass. Amber Alert
Huge tornado hits Oklahoma City suburb, kills 24
Abducted Braintree children found in South Windsor, Conn.
Abducted Braintree children found in South Windsor, Conn.
51 dead after tornado hits near Oklahoma City
Rand Paul visits NH for GOP fundraiser
Amber Alert issued in Braintree, Mass. abductions
3 hurt in Middleboro, Mass. wreck involving police cruiser
51 dead after tornado hits near Oklahoma City
Marathon bombing survivor strong in recovery
Residents of Maine town seek protection of 'cliff walk'
VT Gov. Shumlin signs bill to authorize end-of-life choices
Golf tourney raises orphanage funds, remembers victim of Haiti quake
4-year-old Webster, Mass. boy fighting cancer gets dream gift
