Rhode Island Declares State of Emergency for Hurricane Irene [Video]

Gov. Lincoln Chafee has declared a state of emergency for Rhode Island, warning residents that an impact from Hurricane Irene is certain.

"There is no doubt that Rhode Island will be affected by Hurricane Irene," Chafee said this afternoon during a press briefing at the Emergency Management Agency in Cranston. "I've signed a declaration of emergency, effective immediately. This declaration is a proactive step in our hurricane plans to make sure that we as a state are doing all that we can to get Rhode Island through this storm safely and securely."

The declaration opens Rhode Island to federal disaster assistance after the storm's passing, helping expedite the state's recovery, Chafee said.

As of about noon today, Hurricane Irene was spinning just south of North Carolina. Though weakening slightly, the storm remains a powerful category 2 hurricane with sustained wind speeds upwards of 105 mph. The storm is expected to begin affecting Rhode Island's weather Sunday morning, with the brunt of the storm moving through in the late afternoon, into the evening. Residents should be prepared to face hurricane force winds, heavy rain and storm surge, which could cause coastal flooding.

Coastal and low-lying areas could face evacuations, some of which have already been issued, especially in South County. The state does not plan to issue evacuation orders, according to Adjudant General Kevin McBride, director of the state Emergency Management Agency, leaving those decisions up to individual communities.

McBride said the EMA will be facilitiating the planning among local communities, but is leaving many of the decisions, including those regarding road closures, curfews and evacuations up to each municipality.

The state Department of Environment Management will be closing all state parks, playgrounds and beaches on Sunday, according to DEM Director Janice Coit. She expects beaches will remain open on Saturday, but with swimming restrictions due to the possibility of strong rip currents.

Keep checking back with Patch with continuing coverage throughout the storm.

Be informed to be prepared

• Sign up to receive CodeRED automated phone messages for emergency announcements and any calls for evacuations.
• Visit the Town of Middletown website regularly for important announcements and any potential evacuation instructions.
• Residents with special needs and disabilities are encouraged to join the online registry that will share their information with emergency workers.
• Follow the Potter League for Animal's guidelines to keep pets and animals safe during natural disasters and how to prepare pets for an evacuation.
• Is your home within a flood zone? If so, plan your evacuation now and be sure to include plans for pets. View and print the town's Flood Zone Map available on the town website and from the image gallery above.
• Stock your home with enough food and water supplies to last 3 to 7 days for every member of your family, as well as pets.
• Be sure to prepare a Hurricane Kit to have key items ready to move with you in the event of an evacuation, according to these guidelines.
• Prepare you home, residence and property by identifying and removing hazards indoors and outdoors ahead of time.
• Click on the "Keep me posted" button below to receive automated email updates for important announcements and updates about Hurricane Irene.
• Install the Patch App on your phone. If you lose power, you can still keep up with emergency announcements and find out from Patch when your power might come back on!