Marblehead is bracing for the season’s first nor’easter, with coastal flood and high wind warnings in effect through the weekend.
“Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines,” according to the National Weather Service. “Power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult… The long duration of the winds coupled with heavy rain and fully leafed trees may exacerbate the risk for tree damage and power outages.”
As of Friday noon, some boat owners were still scrambling to pull their boats out of the harbor.
If you’re leaving your vessel in the water, Harbormaster Mark Souza urges owners to secure items on their boats, check that bilge systems are working properly and free of debris and inspect pennant lines for abrasions or loose attachments.
Souza said wind and sea conditions are expected to be the biggest concerns. Saturday’s high tides are forecast for 11:34 a.m. and 11:54 p.m.
Winds could top 50 mph Saturday night.
Power outages
Jon Blair, general manager of the Marblehead Electric Light Department, told the Current: ” As always, we ask for our customers’ patience as we will likely be dealing with very dangerous wind conditions Friday night into Saturday afternoon. We have our crew standing by and can pull additional resources from outside our system, if necessary. It would be helpful for residents to secure outdoor patio furniture, flags, grills, trash barrels and other items that could become hazardous debris in the heavy winds. The simpler we can keep the problem, the faster we can get to the solution.”
Town alert
Late Thursday afternoon, the town sent out an alert about the incoming storm. It includes the following messages:
“Residents should be prepared for possible flooding and temporary road closures in historically vulnerable coastal areas. Particular attention will be given to Front Street, Beacon Street and Grace Oliver’s. Ocean Avenue and the Causeway, which provide the only roadway access to and from Marblehead Neck, may be closed if crossing becomes dangerous due to flooding, crashing waves and debris splash-over. If conditions make travel across the Causeway unsafe, the town may temporarily close Ocean Avenue and restrict access to the Neck. Residents of Marblehead Neck should plan accordingly and avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm. Additional flooding or closures may occur along other low-lying coastal roads as conditions.”
The alert offered residents advice before the storm arrives.
“Residents should take precautions to ensure their homes and families are prepared for the weather. Create or review your family emergency plan, particularly if you live in an area prone to flooding, and make sure your emergency kit is stocked. Be prepared in the event you lose electricity for multiple days. Emergency kits should include flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, first-aid supplies, necessary medications, important documents, water and other essential items.
“Residents should also charge cellphones and other electronic devices before the storm and secure or bring inside outdoor furniture, decorations and other objects that could be blown around by strong winds. In the event you lose power, use battery-operated flashlights rather than open flame. If using a generator, make sure it is utilized outdoors and at least 10 feet from a building.
“Avoid parking vehicles in areas that are known to flood. Stay away from seawalls, beaches, rocks and other exposed shoreline areas during periods of high surf. Never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades. Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of the strongest winds and coastal flooding. Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may need assistance. Prepare an emergency kit and evacuation route.
“Mariners should closely monitor marine forecasts and use extreme caution. Conditions on the water and along the shoreline are expected to become dangerous.
“Marblehead Police, Fire, Harbormaster, Department of Public Works and Marblehead Electric Light will be monitoring conditions throughout the storm and coordinating the town’s response. Road closures and traffic restrictions may be implemented with little notice when conditions present a danger to the public.
“Residents should also be aware that emergency personnel may need additional time to respond during periods of significant flooding, fallen trees or blocked roadways.
“Conditions and forecasts may change as the storm approaches. Residents are encouraged to monitor official Town communications and National Weather Service updates throughout the weekend. Sign up for Marblehead Alerts to stay informed here.“
