Marblehead Harbormaster Mark Souza is keeping a close eye on Hurricane Lee as it heads up the Atlantic coast. According to the National Weather Service, “Lee should bring rough surf and possible storm surge flooding, damaging winds, and bands of heavy rain to at least coastal areas of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.” As of Thursday morning, Lee was about 800 miles south of Nantucket.
Souza is adding on-call staff to handle any problems with the stormy weather which he predicts will hit Marblehead overnight Friday.
“We’re just recommending that the public use the opportunity today and tomorrow to secure equipment on boats … if they can haul their boat to do that,” Souza told the Current, adding that he is seeing people take their boats out of the water.
“We have our boats ready to go in case of emergenices and depending on the state of the seas and winds we will do our best to protect property, but we will not risk life for property.
“My best advice for the public is to prepare for the worst. Our crew will be on standby for the whole duration of the storm. Anbody who needs assistance can reach us on VHF channel 16 or by calling our office,” at 781-631-2386.
This is a developing story. Stay with the Current for new details throughout the storm.
Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist who has written hundreds of stories for local newspapers, including the Marblehead Reporter. She also works as a PR specialist.