Starting this afternoon, the Seacoast can expect persistent high winds and drenching rains, extreme tides, flooding  from Hurricane Sandy.
 
Predictions show 1 to 3 inches of rainfall starting between 5 and 9 p.m. tonight. Some areas may receive 4 inches of localized rain.  Sustained winds are expected to be at 35 and 40 miles per hour (mph), with gusts as strong as 60 and 70 mph.
 
Coastal flooding is also expected, especially for the Portsmouth area, with two- to four-foot surges and some waves offshore as high as 25 feet.
 
Gov. John Lynch has called up the New Hampshire National Guard effective today at 10am, with an additional 100 standing by.

Power officials say with the high winds and rain, they are prepared for the numerous power outages they expect to see from Hurricane Sandy.  Alec Omera from Unitil says they will open their system and emergency management centers this morning, but in reality they had those staffed overnight.
PSNH says they have crews from LA, TX, MS, MO, and OK are in New Hampshire to help with outages. New Hampshire Homeland Security Director, Chris Pope says his group has met with the power companies to make sure they are ready.
Now, officials are asking residents to take anything from your yard that could be blown around and when this storm is over, Director Pope says stay away from any downed power lines.