Chafee Declares State of Emergency

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 for continuing coverage throughout the storm.