The city of Havre de Grace was in a declared state of emergency as of Oct. 29, hours before Hurricane Sandy was forecast to hit. 

Mayor Wayne Dougherty issued the declaration for Havre de Grace Monday morning, creating eligibility for federal relief should the city sustain damage.

Hurricane Sandy is expected to dump 9 to 12 inches of rain on Harford County and bring hurricane-force winds of 70 to 80 mph after 6 p.m. Monday, according to a message from Harford County's Emergency Manager Rick Ayers.

After Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011, Havre de Grace spent more than $100,000 in storm-related costs.

The emergency declaration in advance of Hurricane Sandy "means we fall in line with federal, state and county declarations of emergency so the city [can apply for] any reimbursement from FEMA," Havre de Grace Mayor Wayne Dougherty told Patch.

The Maryland governor and Harford County executive declared states of emergency Oct. 26, according to the mayor's executive order.

Dougherty said that his emergency order is mainly about aligning the city with the state and county. It does not mean there are evacuations at this time.

In the event that Havre de Grace residents need relief, a temporary emergency shelter has been activated at the Havre de Grace Community Center (100 Lagaret Ln.). Harford County has a shelter with more amenities, including overnight capacity, at Patterson Mill High School in Bel Air (85 Patterson Mill Rd.). Citizens with questions can call City Hall at 410-939-1800.

See related:

O'Malley: 'People Will Die'

Follow Hurricane Sandy Coverage Live on Patch

County, Municipal Governments Closed Through Tuesday

Mayor Closes Parks, Dispels Evacuation Rumors