“The conditions and threat to the public remains", MA Governor Deval Patrick told reporters this afternoon at a press conference about Hurricane Earl during the noon news hour. Patrick addressed pending concerns in Massachusetts as Earl heads toward New England, saying that the state of emergency is still in effect in Massachusetts, even though Hurricane Earl has been downgraded to a Category One from a Category Four storm.
The governor reiterated yesterday’s warning for motorists to "“stay indoors and off roads" after 3PM Friday. Patrick acknowledged that the storm threat was having a negative impact on both businesses and vacationers but said that his main concern is public safety. He estimated that the height of the storm will occur between 8PM tonight to 2AM on Saturday.
MA Governor Patrick warns of strong currents, rip tides and heavy rain
Patrick also warned of the rip tides, strong currents and heavy rains that are expected, both before and after the height of the storm. saying that “Rip tide and currents are serious hazards to swimmers and boaters." This concern is being echoed by public safety officials up and down the East Coast and all residents in or visitors to affected coastal cities and towns are being urged to stay away from the beaches and the powerful waves throughout Labor Day weekend.
Massachusetts is ready for Hurricane Earl says Patrick
The governor also told reporters that state police troopers are on alert, along with utilities repair crews. He said that shelters are also ready if needed and debris clearance teams are ready.FEMA Deputy Director: Rich Serino, also spoke to reporters, saying that President Obama had made an “emergency declaration” yesterday for Massachusetts, which allows the national officials to cooperate with state officials in preparing for and cleaning up after the storm.
“Respect this storm as it comes across New England, the Cape and islands” said FEMA’s Serino.He and his staff will be "on the lookout for downed trees and power lines this weekend" and will be assisting MA emergency crews in any way that they can. Governor Patrick concluded the meeting by saying that the state will stay the course with its hurricane preparations since "Mother Nature changes her mind quickly.”
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Hurricne Erkel, gee I hope we can all just hang on
Hurricane Erkel
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