EWING, N.J. (AP) - New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has signed a state of emergency in advance of Hurricane Irene.
The declaration clears the way for the state to deploy resources, such as the National Guard, to counties and municipalities as they prepare for the storm.
The latest forecast calls for Irene to deliver heavy rain and high winds to an already waterlogged state on Sunday.
Christie says the current track calls for New Jersey to face a "serious, significant event."
Christie is considering mandatory evacuations. However, the governor is asking people not to go to the Jersey shore this weekend and for those with rental properties to leave Thursday or Friday.
Christie spoke at the State Police Regional Operations Intelligence Center in Ewing.
