Healey declares state of emergency as Hurricane Lee set to affect coastline
Steven Senne – staff, AP
BOSTON (WLNE) — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey declared a state of emergency on Friday ahead of Hurricane Lee.
Healey requested for FEMA to issue a pre-disaster emergency declaration under the Stafford Act, which would allow the state to qualify for federal assistance in costs for personnel equipment, supplies, and evacuation assistance.
Up to 50 members of the National Guard will be sent to assist with storm preparations and response, including using highwater vehicles.
“I am declaring a state of emergency ahead of anticipated impacts from Hurricane Lee to ensure that the state can mobilize quickly to respond. I am also calling on FEMA to issue a Stafford Act declaration to free up resources that we can use to help communities with any recovery that might be necessary,” Healey said.
“We’re grateful for the extensive efforts of public safety officials who are responding to emergencies to keep people safe. All of us can do our part to help our friends and neighbors – and we encourage every Massachusetts resident to make sure they are prepared for this storm,” she continued.
Lee is set to impact costal New England starting late Friday night into Saturday.
The Healey Administration said a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect along the whole Massachusetts coastline, including the Cape and Islands.
Rhode Island Gov. McKee said the storm is not going to have a direct impact, and that the state is taking measures out of an abundance of caution.
