Massachusetts Declaration of Emergency - Hurricane Lee

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
STATE HOUSE• BOSTON, MA 02133
(617) 725-4000

MAURA T. HEALEY
GOVERNOR

KlMBERLEY DRISCOLL
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

GOVERNOR'S DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY

WHEREAS, Hurricane Lee is a large and dangerous hurricane with expected impacts throughout Massachusetts beginning today;

WHEREAS, Hurricane Lee has the potential to bring a significant storm surge, heavy rain, and tropical storm force winds to regions of Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket;

WHEREAS, Hurricane Lee poses an imminent threat to public safety with potential coastal flooding, beach erosion, power outages, property damage, and wastewater overflows;

WHEREAS, coastal flooding, potential storm surges, and high winds may require the evacuation of residents from storm affected areas and cause damage to public and private property;

WHEREAS, activation of the Massachusetts National Guard is anticipated to provide necessary assistance in Massachusetts's emergency response and recovery efforts;

WHEREAS, declaring a pre-landfall state of emergency will facilitate the efforts of Massachusetts to protect persons and property from the dangers of the hurricane and its afte1math, expedite the use of the state's resources, as well as the deployment of federal and interstate resources, if required, and provide necessary assistance in emergency response and recovery efforts;

WHEREAS, it is anticipated that local communities will declare local states of emergency and will request resources and support from the offices and agencies of the executive department to assist them in dealing with this storm emergency;

WHEREAS, the declaration of emergency will allow the Governor to issue such emergency orders as are necessary to protect the residents of Massachusetts and ensure their health, their safety, and the security of their property;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Maura T. Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, pursuant to the power provided by Chapter 639 of the Acts of 1950 do hereby issue this proclamation that there now exists in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts a STATE OF EMERGENCY.

Pursuant to the powers granted to the Governor in Sections Five, Six, Seven, Eight and Eight-A of Chapter 639 of the Acts of 1950, as amended, and other provisions of the law, I shall from time to time issue recommendations, directions and orders as circumstances require.

This proclamation of a STATE OF EMERGENCY is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until notice is given, pursuant to my judgment, that the STATE OF EMERGENCY no longer exists.

Given in Boston at 9:58 AM this 15th day of September, two thousand and twenty­ three.

MAURA T. HEALEY
GOVERNOR
Commonwealth of Massachusetts