OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. — A voluntary emergency evacuation notice was issued Saturday afternoon for residents in Old Saybrook as Hurricane Henri nears Connecticut.
The Old Saybrook Office of Emergency Management said it "strongly recommends" residents to evacuate their homes starting Saturday afternoon.
"Your home is located in an area that will flood or will become isolated from the rest of the town. This will be the only evacuation notice you will receive," the office said in a statement.
Henri strengthened to a category 1 hurricane Saturday morning as it barreled toward Connecticut. It is expected to make landfall in the Nutmeg State on Sunday afternoon.
It would be the first hurricane to make landfall in the state since Hurricane Gloria 30 years ago.
Hurricane and storm surge warnings are in effect for the Connecticut shoreline.
Gov. Ned Lamont has declared a state of emergency for all of Connecticut in anticipation of the storm's arrival.
The Connecticut State Emergency Operations Center will become partially activated on Saturday, August 21, and fully active Sunday morning.
As part of the order from the Lamont, Adjutant General and Commander of the Connecticut National Guard Major General Francis Evon is calling 200 Guardsmen and women to state active duty.
“We’ve learned from Super Storm Sandy and Hurricane Irene that preparation at staging areas ahead of the storm making landfall is key to a quick and effective response,” Evon said. “We are standing by to support the state and the lead agencies however we can and we will be prepared to bring in additional Guardsmen and resources if asked to do so.”
Officials in Old Saybrook said residents should first seek shelter north of Interstate 91 with family, friends or in a hotel. The second option would be to seek shelter at the Town Evacuation Center located at Old Saybrook Senior High School (1111 Boston Post Road. The center will be open at 7 p.m. Saturday.
"DO NOT underestimate the POWER and DESTRUCTION that Storm Henri may cause," the notice said.
Officials recommended packing a three-day supply of clothes, medicine and personal hygiene products including masks.
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