As Henri Builds Strength, Gov. Baker Asks Mass. Residents To Stay Home Sunday

Massachusetts officials are bracing for flooding, power outtages and dangerous winds brought by Tropical Storm Henri —which is likely to be a hurricane by the time it makes landfall — and urging residents to avoid any travel on Sunday.

At a Friday press conference with emergency management officials, Gov. Charlie Baker said Sunday should be a "stay at home day" across the state, particularly on the Cape and islands.

"Given the amount of rain we've seen recently, we all need to take this storm seriously," he said. "We'd like everybody off the roads at the height of the storm. We don't want people stuck in traffic on the Cape Cod bridge."

Officials said they have also activated the National Guard in preparation for Henri, which is expected to be the most powerful hurricane to hit New England in 30 years. Although the situation is evolving, much of Massachusetts sits directly in the storm's path, with Greater Boston and the Cape expected to bear the brunt. The last hurricane to make landfall in Massachusetts was Hurricane Bob in 1991.

AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said he expects sustained 65-75 mph winds between 3 and 9 pm on Sunday. Four to eight inches of rain could fall on Sunday alone in Greater Boston and the Cape, with 1 to 4 inches expected across the rest of the state. Storm surges, flooding rains and downed trees and power lines are expected. As many as 300,000 residents could be affected by power outages, officials said.

Pat Carnavale of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency said state emergency service centers will open fully on Saturday and Sunday to help coordinate with cities' and towns' emergency needs.

"We're going to get heavy rains and I believe those will be across the Commonwealth," he said. "Please be prepared for flooding."

MBTA officials said they would be offering limited service during the storm and urged only essential travel. The MBTA is currently operating normally scheduled service but will be suspending service to Mattapan in Boston and along the D-branch of the Green line on Sunday. The agency is also anticipating service disruptions in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Residents can to go to MBTA.com for updates.

State campgrounds will close on Saturday at 11 am through Monday evening. State pools and beaches will also close through Sunday.