Malloy signs Declaration of Emergency

(WTNH) -- Even though Sandy hasn't hit Connecticut yet, Gov. Dannel Malloy has already signed a Declaration of Emergency.

"The forecast path of Hurricane Sandy has convinced me that the signing of this declaration is necessary, and will help us react more quickly and effectively in the event of a serious weather event," the governor said in a statement.

LINK: Read the Declaration of Emergency ( .pdf)

According to the governor's office the state of emergency gives the governor certain emergency powers, such as:

• The ability to modify or suspend any state statute, regulation, or requirement (for example: altering work hours, waiving licensing requirements,   etc.
• The ability to order civil preparedness forces into action
• The ability to designate vehicle and person routes and movements

The storm was expected to begin affecting Connecticut Sunday evening, with the potential for several inches of rain and heavy winds that could lead to numerous power outages.

"This storm needs to be taken seriously and just as the state is taking preparatory actions, I encourage the public and all of the state's utility companies to do the same," the governor said.