GOVERNOR PATRICK STATEMENT ON HURRICANE EARL

We have very good news this morning. Hurricane Earl continued to track east and out to sea as it approached us last night, and the Cape & Islands were spared a direct hit. We had very minimal impacts, including some 1800 power outages, most of which have already been restored.

Accordingly, I have lifted the State of Emergency. The Cape and Islands are open for business this Labor Day weekend.

One continuing word of caution: rip currents continue so swimmers and boaters should take special care in the water. Otherwise, come on down to the Cape and enjoy the last days of summer as planned.

‬‪I am grateful to the first responders who mobilized quickly and effectively to be ready for what less than 48 hours ago was predicted to be a Category 3 hurricane. Federal, state and local officials, the Red Cross, the National Guard and State Police, and many others were all terrific. I thank them all.