The message from Gov. Deval Patrick to Massachusetts residents was very clear Sunday afternoon: stay home and stay safe today.

Firefighters, police officers and public works crews in Marblehead will be on the job and ready to respond to the flood of calls expected to come in as Hurricane Sandy makes her way into the region.

Marblehead schools are closed today, as are the Lynch van otterloo YMCA and the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore.

Make a note - high tide will arrive at 11:30 a.m. and weather experts are warning of coastal flooding for communities across the state.

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Kurt Schwartz said coastal communities are in danger of severe coastal flooding and some may need to be evacuated.

Click Here for a helpful list of 10 ways to use your smartphone to stay up-to-the-minute on all things Sandy if your power happens to go out.

And don't forget- share local storm photos and updates with your neighbors here - and, if possible, stay inside and off of the roads for the duration of the storm.