Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra says the Labor Day Parade is on, although local and state officials will continue to monitor the progress of post-tropical storm Hermine.www.eversource.com.www.ctredcross.orgwww.ct.gov/demhs.. For information on statewide programs, please visit Connecticut's Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security at

"Right now it looks like we won't have much in terms of wind or rain, but we're continuing to advise residents to be cautious and safe as the effects of Hermine continue to move toward the region," Mrs Llodra said. "But as far as the parade is concerned, it looks now like we're on."

With the track, intensity and fallout from Hermine still in flux, Governor Dannel Malloy is continuing to caution shoreline residents about possible flooding, especially those in low-

lying, flood prone areas as tropical storm warnings have been issued for the immediate Connecticut coast.

The Governor held a press briefing Sunday morning at 10:15 am after meeting with a contingent of agency leaders on how the state is preparing for any affects of the approaching weather system.

To help ensure public safety of visitors, he said all Connecticut state park campgrounds will close at noon today - September 4. The Governor will also partially activate the state Emergency Operations Center in Hartford at 6 pm Sunday.

Governor Malloy said his biggest concern remains the potential for coastal flooding, and dangerous rip currents that could develop along the shoreline areas. And he said users of MetroNorth rail should monitor the status of service which could be suspended by high wind and other conditions.

If someone is in need of shelter before or after the storm, the governor said to call 2-1-1 to find the nearest locations.

Governor Malloy also asked residents to look out for their neighbors, particularly those who live near a senior citizen. "Please check on them and see if there is anything they need to prepare," he said. He also cautioned residents to be sure that pets are safe and secure as well.

Campers at the 11 state parks closing Sunday at noon will be able to receive full refunds for the nights they will not be able to use their reservations. Reserve America will be directed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to issue refunds to campers who had reservations for Sunday night.

Additional refunds will be made to those campers who have reservations beyond Sunday night at Hammonasset Beach State Park and Rocky Neck State Park, which will both open later in the week. Monday marks the end of camping season for all state park campgrounds, except for Hammonasset and Rocky Neck.

Among local/regional state park campgrounds affected are:

*Black Rock State Park, Watertown

*Macedonia Brook State Park, Kent

*Housatonic Meadows State Park, Sharon

*Kettletown State Park, Southbury

*American Legion State Forest, Barkhamsted

*Lake Waramaug State Park, New Preston

At 6 am, Weather Underground was reporting Hermine traveling at near 12 mph, and is expected to turn toward the northeast and the north with a decrease in forward speed later today, followed by a slow northward to northwestward motion through Monday. On the forecast track, the center of Hermine will meander slowly offshore of the mid-Atlantic coast for the next couple of days.

A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for coastal Connecticut, Long Island, New York City, and southern Westchester County. Sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts between 40 and 50 mph are expected in these areas. Tropical storm force gusts are possible a little farther inland.

Eversource is prepared to respond to any damage from the storm to the local electric grid. The company is also reminding customers of steps they, too, can take to be prepared.

"We continue to watch Hermine very carefully and stand ready to address any impacts to our system," said Peter Clarke, Senior Vice President of Emergency Preparedness for Eversource. "We're confident our ongoing technology upgrades, combined with our tried and tested emergency response plan, will enable us to safely and efficiently handle any issues that may arise."

Extra Eversource crews and support staff will be in place beginning today and ready to respond to any reports of damage or outages. The company has also alerted all employees to be at the ready to assist in its storm response if needed.

The company reminds customers to always stay clear of downed wires and to report them immediately to 9-1-1. To report a power outage, call Eversource at 1-800-286-2000 or use the "Report an Outage" link at

The Connecticut American Red Cross, one of Eversource's partners in emergency preparedness, also provides helpful information and resources at