Residents Urged To Prepare As State Of Emergency Is Declared

Preparation for Hurricane Earl continued Thursday with anxious residents keeping an eye on the storm as it barrels up the east coast.

Harbormaster Charles Dalferro's phone was ringing off the hook with questions from concerned boaters deciding whether or not to haul their boats out of the water.

At Emergency Management, Lt. Charles Cerrutti continued to be in touch with Massachusetts Emergency Management for the latest updates about the storm.

The most affected areas of town could be Marblehead Neck and the causeway as well as the Pleasant and School Street intersection. 

Highway Department officials have been studying the Pleasant Street corridor this week after heavy rains last weeks flooded out some businesses' basements. 

In a press conference held via phone from MEMA Headquarters, Gov. Deval Patrick declared a state-wide state of emergency and said he is anticipating the President will designate the state a federal emergency area this evening. 

"Mother Nature is fickle," Gov. Deval Patrick said. "She changes her mind often."

Patrick, who told the state "not to panic," said communication between state, federal and local officials have been impeccable and as a whole, officials feel prepared for the storm.

"This is a serious storm to prepare for," he said.

Strong rip currents and high seas are expected throughout the weekend, MEMA officials said. The National Guard has been mobilized and Red Cross is in place on the Cape and Islands.

As of Thursday afternoon, forecasters said the center of the storm was expected to pass about 15 miles southeast of Nantucket Friday night or early Saturday morning. By the time it reaches Massachusetts, it is expected to be a category 2 storm.

A tropical storm watch has been put into effect in Essex County. A tropical storm watch means winds can range from 39 to 73 miles per hour.

Ways To Protect Yourself and Home In a Hurricane

Protect windows and doors -  If you have not already installed hurricane shutters, plywood can be used as a last minute alternative to help keep wind-driven rain from soaking the interior.

Prepare your yard - Remove all outdoor furniture, lawn items, planters and other materials that could be picked up by high winds. Trim trees and shrubbery and remove weak branches on plants and trees. 

Seal it - Use a high quality urethane-based caulk around outside wall openings such as vents, outdoor electrical outlets, garden hose bibs and locations where cables or pipes go through the wall to prevent water penetration.

Stock Up - Have flashlights and extra batteries ready should you loose power. Stock up on water and canned goods.

Courtesy MEMA