Rell asks for emergency declaration

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) - Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell says she has asked President Barack Obama to issue a declaration of emergency a day before Hurricane Earl is expected to sweep past New England.

Rell says her request Thursday was recommended by federal officials. The governor says it's to ensure public safety.

Earl is expected to make its closest approach to southern New England Friday evening. Rell says that if the storm follows a track expected by forecasters, it will not strike Connecticut with its full force.

Still, she says the hurricane's path is very difficult to predict.

Earl dropped from a Category 4 storm to a Category 3 at midday Thursday and is now a Category 1. It is expected to reach New England waters Friday night.

Also Thursday, Rell announced that state campgrounds in southeastern Connecticut will close at noon Friday morning until noon Saturday to protect campers from strong winds and heavy rains expected from Hurricane Earl.

The campgrounds to be closed are:

'Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison; Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme; Hopeville Pond State Park, Jewett City; Devil's Hopyard State Park, East Haddam; Salt Rock Campground, Sprague; Mount Misery Campground, Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown; Green Falls Campground, Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown.

Madison is closing its three town beaches (The Surf Club, East Wharf and West Wharf) at noon Friday.

In response to the approach of Hurricane Earl, Groton will open a shelter at Fitch High School at 2:30 p.m. on Friday for those who are uncomfortable staying in their homes during the storm.