Preparations are well underway in Connecticut as local leaders get ready for Hurricane Henri.

Director Scott Appleby briefed state and local leaders about the storm at the Emergency Operation Center and Division of Homeland Security office in Bridgeport.

Going over the data from the National Weather Service, Appleby says that he expects there to be 3-5 feet of storm surge, 4-6 inches of rain and tropical storm-force winds bearing down on the state as Henri moves through.

Appleby is warning people to stay off the roadways on Sunday and to use Saturday as a day to stock up on non-perishable foods, bottled water, flashlights and batteries.

Telecommunications first responders are on standby for what's forecasted to be, "a potentially catastrophic weather event."

"Start taking your preparations now. Move your vehicles to higher grounds. We are going to declare a state of emergency later on in the day. Emergency shelters are on standby right now and we're taking this very seriously," Appleby says.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal says that he has already been in touch with FEMA to talk about reimbursing the state for potential damage caused by the storm.

City officials says to move your vehicle if it is parked in a low-lying area.