BOSTON (CBS) — Authorities in southern New England are calling on residents to prepare for Hurricane Sandy.

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The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency says the massive storm will cause damaging winds and widespread power outages lasting several days. The storm will also cause flooding rainfall and coastal flooding in the region. It will generate waves as high as 30 feet off the coast of New England beginning Sunday and peaking Monday and Tuesday.

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Rhode Island Department of Health warned residents with private wells that flooding that could contaminate well water. They say power outages may leave pumps unable to draw water.

In Connecticut, Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra said on Saturday that the Department of Public Works has launched efforts to clean leaves off the streets to enable rainwater to drain easily and avoid flooding.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.