Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today declared a state of emergency in advance of Hurricane Sandy’s arrival to the state.

The Declaration of Emergency provides Malloy with a number of emergency powers, including the ability to modify or suspend state statutes, regulations, or requirements, including altering work hours or waiving licensing requirements, and the ability to order civil preparedness forces into action.

“The forecast path of Hurricane Sandy has convinced me that the signing of this declaration is necessary, and will help us react more quickly and effectively in the event of a serious weather event,” Malloy said. “This storm needs to be taken seriously and just as the state is taking preparatory actions, I encourage the public and all of the state’s utility companies to do the same.”