NH buckles down for Hurricane Sandy

HAMPTON, N.H. (AP) -- New Hampshire utilities are reporting over 23,600 power outages in New Hampshire as Hurricane Sandy approaches.

New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch declared a state of emergency Monday and urged all drivers to be off the roads by 3 p.m.

Lynch directed that non-essential state workers be released from work Monday afternoon and urged employers in general to consider releasing workers early.

The National Weather Service says the main impact of the storm is to reach the state around mid-afternoon Monday and continue through early Tuesday. The storm is expected to bring wind gusts of up to 70 mph, rainfall ranging from 1 to 4 inches and coastal flooding.

The state Emergency Operation Center was open at level 3 -- 4 is the highest -- because of the hurricane.