Gov. Patrick: Stay Home If You Can

As Hurricane Sandy barrels toward the East Coast, Gov. Deval Patrick held another press conference Sunday afternoon to update the public about Hurricane Sandy, urging residents to stay off the roads and asking communities to close schools.

"Soon the entire commonwealth will feel the effects of the hurricane," Patrick said.

The National Weather Service reports that New England will likely see damaging winds, major flooding and beach erosion.

Widespread power outages are likely, and Patrick said there may be an even bigger impact on service than the state had during Hurricane Irene last year.

"To help keep the roads clear for emergency personnel and to keep people safe from flying limbs and debris or from down power lines, I am first of all requesting all schools including colleges and early education programs to close Monday, for the safety of students and employees alike," Patrick said.

Patrick said all non-emergency state workers are asked to stay home Monday, and all state office buildings will be closed.

"And I am encouraging private employers to follow our lead and have their workers stay home as well," Patrick said.

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Kurt Schwartz said coastal communities are in danger of severe coastal flooding and some may need to be evacuated.

"We have urged the coastal communities to carefully evaluate the storm surge that is being predicted and to map out those areas of their communities that are at risk of flooding and to take appropriate action including notifying residents of those areas, businesses of those areas, and if necessary to impose voluntary or mandatory evacuation areas," Schwartz said.

Patrick emphasized the need for community cooperation during and after the storm, especially regarding keeping the roads clear and staying updated on conditions.

"We're going get through this," Patrick said. "We are as well-prepared as we possibly can be."

Locally, many districts have agreed with the governor's recommendation and have already canceled school tomorrow. Area districts that have officially been closed include Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Marlborough, Milford, Natick, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Westborough and Westwood.