Boston Mayor Thomas Menino says all city public schools will be closed Monday and nonessential city employees should stay home Monday because of an approaching superstorm expected to bring high winds, coastal flooding and power outages to the region.
Massachusetts officials, meanwhile, have opened the state emergency operations center to get ready for the storm.
Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to give an update on storm preparations statewide at 4:30 p.m. Sunday. He has declared a state of emergency and put National Guard troops on standby.
The worst conditions are expected Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning. Forecasters say wind gusts could reach 75 mph and storm surges could flood coastal areas.
Utility companies have put workers on standby to begin restoring power as soon as it is safe to work.