Earl prompts Patrick to declare state of emergency

Published on Friday, September 03, 2010

STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE

Hurricane Earl will likely hit the Massachusetts coast late Friday and linger until predawn Saturday, Gov. Deval Patrick said Thursday, declaring a state of emergency and warning drivers bound for Cape Cod to stay off the roads from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. Patrick said the storm would likely pass within roughly 15 miles off Nantucket and said people in flood plains or low-lying areas should make plans to relocate or find refuge in a public shelter.

“Mother Nature is fickle and changes course and her mind quickly,” Patrick said during a press conference from the Mass. Emergency Management Agency bunker in Framingham. He added, “Take this seriously and be prepared, but don’t panic.” Patrick said drivers headed to the Cape for the Labor Day weekend should stay off the roads during the storm’s fiercest impact, expected to begin Friday and last into the predawn hours of Saturday. Strong rip currents and high seas are expected off the Cape and islands.