PHOTOS: Battening Down The Hatches For Hurricane Sandy

On Sunday afternoon, the sky grew dark and the wind picked up as people throughout the area prepared for Hurricane Sandy.

Residents boarded up houses in Groton Long Point and Noank, fishing boats relocated to the Mystic River and businesses and residents moved outdoor furniture inside and headed to the store.

"I think it's going to be bad," Jeff Pollard, of Noank said after he helped Ford's Lobster pull out every other plank from its docks.

The Weather Channel seemed to agree. Meteorologist Reynolds Wolf broadcast from Mystic for most of the day before heading to New York City to report on the storm.

Groton police issued mandatory evacations for Groton Long Point and parts of Noank, Mystic and other low lying areas in town. The Groton Department of Emergency Management opened Fitch High School as a shelter for residents who had no where else to go.

Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton said in a news release it was positioning more than 8,000 sandbags at lower base facilities Sunday and expected to order their placement Monday.  Base personnel also expected to install building flood gates at some of the lower facilities, the release said.

The base said five submarines in port would remain at the subase during the storm, and crews were preparing for severe weather at the pier.

Loose material around the base was also being secured. Navy officials said in the release that Sandy's arrival during a time of a full moon and high tide could top some of the base's lower piers.

Officials urged Navy personnel and their families to be prepared.

"We are facing severe weather and everyone needs to follow those key three steps: prepare a kit, make a plan and stay informed," said Base Executive Officer, Commander Michael Pennington.

Electric Boat canceled first and second shifts Monday and third shift Tuesday for all facilities in Connecticut. But the company said employees needed for emergency services and storm preparation should report for duty through the main gate.

Crystal Mall in Waterford was closed Monday.

Schools in Groton are closed Monday and Tuesday.