Braintree Town Offices Closed on Monday for Storm

Town offices in Braintree will be closed on Monday, Oct. 29 because of the approaching winds, rain and potential power outages associated with Hurricane Sandy.

Public Safety, Department of Public Works and essential inspectional employees are to report to work, Mayor Joseph Sullivan announced on Sunday evening.

"Every safe and reasonable effort will be made to pick up trash on Monday," Sullivan said in a statement emailed by the mayor's office. "Residents are urged to make sure covers are tight or containers are secure so that high winds will not tip them over. Particular care should be taken with the blue recycling containers that do not have covers."

The latest forecasts show Hurricane Sandy hitting before the morning commute tomorrow, with high wind and flood watches in effect from Monday morning through the night. 

The National Weather Service issued the warnings for Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.

WHDH's Jeremy Reiner said the worst of Sandy should be from 9 a.m. Monday until 2 a.m. Tuesday.

"Within this period is our greatest risk of wind damage/power loss," Reiner wrote on his blog, noting that many towns will experience wind gusts over 40 miles per hour. Coastal cities and towns may see wind gusts between 50-60 mph and even some wind gusts near 70mph out on the Cape and Islands.

Reiner said the speed of the wind isn't as great a concern as the duration of the wind, expected to last over several hours and bring down trees and power lines.

For ongoing coverage of the storm in Braintree, go to http://braintree.patch.com/topics/hurricane-sandy-5f193322.

Editor Danielle Horn contributed to this report.