Due to the approach of Hurricane Sandy, the County of Union has declared a State of Emergency from 6 p.m. tonight to 6 p.m. tomorrow night, county officials said in a press statement at about 4 p.m. Monday.

All County buildings and offices will be closed and only essential personnel and emergency responders will be required to report to work.

Also, a total of 13 municipalities have declared states of emergencies including the following municipalities: Roselle, Rahway, Clark, Winfield, Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Mountainside, Springfield, Cranford, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Linden and Roselle Park.

As a result of the declaration, all non-emergency travel will be prohibited from 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29 until 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30.

"This is to protect lives and allow emeraency work to be accomplished," the declaration states.

The State of Emergency will also authorize the Union Countv Police to control the access of any county road, including the right to detour or divert traffic in the interest of public safety.