BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Deval Patrick on Saturday declared a state of emergency for Massachusetts as Hurricane Sandy approached, threatening to combine with another storm from the west and cold air from Canada to bring heavy rains and damaging winds that could cause widespread power outages.
Patrick said 200 National Guard members were on standby and the number would rise to at least 1,000 by the time the storm hits the state, possibly Sunday night. It is expected to peak Monday and Tuesday, and could cause moderate to major coastal flooding and severe beach erosion.
‘‘We are expecting damaging winds, strong enough for widespread power outages, there will be bands of heavy rain with potential for 5 inches or more over several days,’’ Patrick said.
Hurricane Sandy, upgraded again Saturday just hours after forecasters said it had weakened to a tropical storm, was barreling north from the Caribbean and was expected to make landfall early Tuesday near the Delaware coast, then hit two winter weather systems as it moves inland, creating a hybrid monster storm.
Patrick said the declaration will help Massachusetts officials quickly secure necessary services, supplies and personnel ahead of the storm. National Guard members will prepare supply armories, fill sand bags and position them and other equipment throughout the state, he said. Once the storm hits, they will help with any evacuations, search-and-rescue operations, moving emergency workers and helping local officials with security and traffic control, the governor said.
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http://www.boston.com/news/weather/2012/10/27/gov-patrick-declares-state-emergency-mass/5d8KIuoAQZGuQ7Ph77FESL/story.html
