Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that as part of the state’s preparations for the approach of Hurricane Earl, she has asked President Obama to issue a “pre-landfall” declaration of emergency – an action that federal officials recommended during a conference call with the leaders of states under National Weather Service storm warnings. The Governor’s request seeks federal funding for activities necessary to ensure public safety and security.
The hurricane – currently a powerful Category 3 storm with winds of 140 mph – was off the mid-Atlantic coast today. It is expected to make its closest approach to southern New England Friday evening. If the storm follows the anticipated track it would not strike Connecticut with its full force – but its actual path continues to be very difficult to predict.
Connecticut’s coast from New Haven east to the Rhode Island border is already under a tropical storm warning issued by the National Weather Service, meaning those areas of the state can expect sustained winds of 25 mph to 50 mph and gusts as high as 55 mph. However, hurricane warnings have been issued for Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Connecticut emergency management officials have advised Governor Rell that the weather service may well expand the geographic area or increase the severity of the alert for the Nutmeg State.
The Governor continued today to coordinate with Federal Emergency Management Agency and homeland security officials as well as state agency chiefs and municipal officials. She also directed the state’s Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) to hold a conference call with top officials from shoreline cities and towns affected by the existing tropical storm warning, and ordered a full activation of the state’s Emergency Operations Center – located in the William A. O’Neill Armory in Hartford – to begin Friday morning.
In addition, key state agencies are ensuring that vehicles and generators are fully fueled, pre-positioning equipment and supplies in critical areas and reviewing plans for monitoring dams, clearing storm debris and other critical activities.
“It is frankly impossible to know the storm’s path with any certainty – yet we need to make sure we are prepared to deal with whatever nature metes out,” Governor Rell said. “Whether the storm arrives as a full-on hurricane or as relatively milder rains and strong winds, state and local governments have a critical responsibility to ensure the safety of our residents. This request for a federal emergency declaration will make sure that Connecticut taxpayers will not have to bear the costs of these measures.
“Residents should also continue to stay informed about the storm’s progress and use common sense to avoid needlessly exposing themselves to danger,” the Governor said. “Make sure your own vehicles are fueled, clear your yard of items that may become airborne during the storm and – above all – don’t succumb to the temptation to venture outside for the ‘experience.’ Stay dry – and stay safe.”
Additional information on preparedness, including preparing for hurricanes, is available at www.ct.gov/hurricane.
