US | Hurricane Irene Maryland, Va. Declare States of Emergency As Irene approaches, New York City warns transit may close By Matt Cantor Posted Aug 25, 2011 4:46 PM CDT Copied Todd Ketch of Woodbridge, Va., packs up his family's belongings as they prepare to evacuate in Nags Head, N.C., Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome) See 2 more photos The governors of Maryland and Virginia have declared states of emergency as the East Coast readies for Hurricane Irene. Maryland’s governor has ordered an evacuation of Ocean City and encouraged others in low-lying coastal areas to depart and “stay with someone who loves them” this weekend, the Washington Post notes. Meanwhile, New York City officials are warning that mass transit may be shut down across the city if winds and rain require it, the New York Post reports. Amtrak is canceling some trains south of Washington, too. Read These Next It started with failure to say 'thank you,' ended with murder. Freak accident kills a woman as she cleans her car. It landed on the 4th try. There wasn't enough fuel for a 5th. California governor candidate's testy interview raises eyebrows. See 2 more photos Report an error