Federal emergency declared for RI ahead of storm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — President Barack Obama has declared an emergency in Rhode Island ahead of Hurricane Sandy.

The action announced early Monday authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provides federal funding.

FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide equipment and resources.

The center of the large storm is expected to come ashore in the mid-Atlantic region late Monday, but rain, wind and waves could affect a much larger area.

Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee declared a state of emergency on Sunday. His office on Sunday evening said state offices would remain open Monday.