It's official: This is an emergency

Irene passing Cuba Thursday afternoon. Photo by Ron Garan on the International Space Station.

Gov. Patrick just declared a state of emergency for this weekend. Urges residents to stock up on food, medicine and batteries. Says 2,000 National Guard troops to be called up by tomorrow. Stay off the roads starting Saturday evening. Reservoirs drawn down to allow more room for up to ten inches of rain; MWRA pumping station in Marlborough braced with back-up generators to continue providing water for Boston area.

State Transportation Secretary Jeff Mullan said he expects MBTA service to run on schedule.