The Alternative Press

MIDDLETOWN TWP., N.J. – Gov. Chris Christie declared a state of emergency this morning during a televised press conference.

“I have formally declared a state of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy, which is expected to be a severe and potentially devastating storm,” he said. He ordered the evacuation of the barrier islands and of casinos in Atlantic City by 4 p.m. on Sunday, but he stressed the storm will be “a statewide event.”

Col. Rick Fuentes, superintendent of the State Police, warned, “It is necessary for every state resident to be prepared for several days without power.”

Christie said that unlike Hurricane Irene, Hurricane Sandy is expected to be a slow-moving storm with winds from 40-70 mph. He said the storm is expected to hit Sunday night and that officials from the four major utilities are preparing for “significant power outages.”

“Understand that this storm … will be a slow moving one,” he said. “It may last through to Tuesday. We cannot have power crews go out until it’s completely safe for them to go out. Electrical crews will not be out until we’re convinced that it’s safe for them to be out.”

The governor urged all state residents to take the storm threat seriously. He also stressed that municipalities and residents should remove leaves from the streets and make sure that storm sewers are clean.

After the storm arrives, “stay off the road, stay in your homes, and make sure you are listening (to local officials),” Christie said.