State-by-State Look at Dangers in New England, Prep for Irene

Posted by jcashman

Hurricane Irene has thrashed North Carolina and Virginia, knocking out power to 900,000 homes and businesses, destroying piers and killing at least five people. Here’s a state-by-state glance in New England:

CONNECTICUT

— Irene predicted to make landfall Sunday between New Jersey and Cape Cod, in Massachusetts. Storm’s track forecast through central parts of Connecticut.

— Hurricane warning for coast.

— Fairfield ordered a mandatory evacuation for shoreline residents as of noon Saturday, affecting 5,000 to 6,000 people.

— Millstone nuclear power plant to be shut down if winds exceed 90 mph.

— Last hurricane to hit was Bob in 1991.

— Irene likely to cause prolonged power outages and flooding in low-lying areas along the shoreline.

— President Barack Obama and governor declare state of emergency. National Guard mobilized.

MAINE

— Irene predicted to reach northern New England Sunday night.

— Governor declared an emergency.

— Heavy rain expected to start Saturday night. Potential for flooding rains and gusty winds.

— No evacuations planned.

— Lobstermen began moving their fishing gear farther offshore to avoid damage amid expectations of 30-foot seas.

MASSACHUSETTS

— Irene predicted to make landfall in southern New England on Sunday.

— Hurricane warnings issued for Martha’s Vineyard. Hurricane watch in effect for the coastline to the mouth of the Merrimack River.

— The governor and president declared a state of emergency. The governor deployed 500 National Guard troops, saying an additional 2,000 troops will be activated Saturday.

— In Boston, the transit authority announced public transportation would be shut down Sunday because of the hurricane.

— Mandatory evacuations have not been ordered.

— Last hurricane to hit was Bob in 1991.

— Red Cross is positioning emergency response vehicles, mobilizing disaster workers and preparing supplies.

— Forecasts placed the storm’s track through central Massachusetts.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

— Forecasters predict Irene to reach northern New England Sunday night.

— Heavy rain expected to start Saturday night. Potential for flooding rains and gusty winds.

— No evacuations planned since path uncertain.

— Governor directed state Emergency Operations Center to be opened.

— The Red Cross plans to open four shelters.

— Organizers of the annual Hampton Beach Talent Competition condensed the three-night schedule to two, telling competitors “it’s one song for all the marbles.”

RHODE ISLAND

— Irene predicted to make landfall Sunday. Six to 10 inches of rain expected to fall starting as early as Saturday night.

— State of emergency declared.

— Hurricane watch issued for much of the state. Tropical storm watch for portions of two inland counties.

— Mandatory evacuations ordered for low-lying communities in Narragansett, South Kingstown and Bristol by 10 a.m. Sunday. Parts of Westerly are under evacuation orders by 6 p.m. Saturday.

— Last hurricane to hit was Bob in 1991, which made landfall twice.

— Residents warned to expect prolonged power outages and property damage.

— Three-hundred National Guard troops on standby.

VERMONT

— Forecasters predict Irene to reach northern New England on Sunday night.

— Heavy rain expected to start Saturday night. Potential for flooding rains and gusty winds.

— No evacuations planned since path uncertain.

— Parts of the state hard-hit by Memorial Day weekend flash flooding were bracing for another round.

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Posted by jcashman on Aug 27 2011. Filed under Top Stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry