Massachusetts: President signs emergency declaration for state ahead of Sandy’s arrival

President Barack Obama has signed an emergency declaration for Massachusetts, ordering federal aid to supplement state and local response due to emergency conditions resulting from the major storm that’s hitting the Northeast.

The action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist with emergency measures throughout the state.

Earlier Sunday, Gov. Deval Patrick directed all schools and state offices to close and non-emergency state workers to stay home Monday because of fierce winds and coastal flooding expected from the major storm that’s hitting the Northeast.