Malloy Declares State of Emergency As Storm Approaches [UPDATE]

Updated 5:50 p.m.:

The state’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be fully activated on Sunday at 8 a.m. to continue coordinating the state’s response in advance of Hurricane Sandy, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Saturday afternoon.

Here is the statement issued by his office at 5:30 p.m. Saturday:

"Following a series of unified command meetings and municipal conference calls, Governor Malloy will hold two media briefings from the state EOC on Sunday – the first at 11:30 a.m., followed by another at 6 p.m.

“This storm’s heavy rain and winds, combined with the high tide, has the potential for a big impact on the entire state,” Governor Malloy said.  “It’s specifically drawing increased concern because of the forecasted duration, which could last up to 36 hours – longer than what we are used to in Connecticut.  Please take this as seriously as we are taking it.”

"The state EOC, staffed by state emergency management personnel and representatives of the state’s major utility companies, will remain open throughout the duration of the storm.

"For the latest information on available shelters throughout the state, call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ct.org.  For updated information on all things pertinent to Hurricane Sandy, including tips for how residents should prepare, visit www.ct.gov/sandy.

Original story:

Just before noon Saturday, Gov. Dannel P Malloy declared a state of emergency for the state of Connecticut as Hurricane Sandy approaches.

"The forecast path of Hurricane Sandy has convinced me that the signing of this declaration is necessary," Malloy said in a statement.

Here is Malloy's statement released by his office:

"In advance of Hurricane Sandy’s likely impact on Connecticut, Governor Dannel P. Malloy today signed a Declaration of Emergency, otherwise known as a state of emergency. The Declaration of Emergency provides Governor Malloy with a number of emergency powers, including:

•   The ability to modify or suspend any state statute, regulation, or requirement (for example: altering work hours, waiving licensing requirements, etc.)
•   The ability to order civil preparedness forces into action
•   The ability to designate vehicle and person routes and movements

“The forecast path of Hurricane Sandy has convinced me that the signing of this declaration is necessary, and will help us react more quickly and effectively in the event of a serious weather event,” said Governor Malloy. “This storm needs to be taken seriously and just as the state is taking preparatory actions, I encourage the public and all of the state’s utility companies to do the same”