Maryland, Va. Declare States of Emergency

The governors of Maryland and Virginia have declared states of emergency as the East Coast readies for Hurricane Irene. Maryland’s governor has ordered an evacuation of Ocean City and encouraged others in low-lying coastal areas to depart and “stay with someone who loves them” this weekend, the Washington Post notes. Meanwhile, New York City officials are warning that mass transit may be shut down across the city if winds and rain require it, the New York Post reports. Amtrak is canceling some trains south of Washington, too. (More Hurricane Irene stories.)