RI Gov. Chafee: 'Make the decision now' to leave

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee is urging people to "make the decision now" to evacuate from coastal and low-lying areas ahead of the worst of Hurricane Sandy.

Chafee is touring coastal areas of the state, including Narragansett, and early Monday afternoon urged people to strongly consider evacuating before the storm worsens, bringing with it dangerously strong winds and a storm surge. Chafee says conditions on the coast are "ominous" and much worse than in central Rhode Island.

He says a decision to close highways, including Interstate 95, is under consideration.

The governor says people need to be smart, and says if there is a big storm surge, there's a potential for a lot of damage from flooding.