This Monday morning, a coastal flood watch remains in effect with the next high tide at about 12:430 p.m.
The weekend’s powerful nor’easter battered Marblehead Harbor, ripping boats from their moorings and sending them crashing onto rocks and beaches. At least one sailboat sank.
Harbormaster Mark Souza Monday morning said crews were still assessing the damage as rough conditions continued.
“At this time we are still in an active storm management protocol. We do not have a full assessment of the damage as we are still experiencing severe weather conditions. A general overview is that approximately seven boats have washed aground in various locations. When conditions become safer to put manpower on the water to assess property damage we will have a better view of the totality of storm damage.”
Boats ere seen washed ashore at Riverhead Beach and near Glover’s Landing.
Souza said it was the most damaging storm to hit Marblehead Harbor since 2018.
Rick Cuzner, who serves on the Harbor and Waters Board, said it’s always a tough call whether to haul out or a storm.
“As an engineer, I tend to look at the ‘material failure’ side of things. Things like bigger pennant lines, making sure moorings are properly serviced and making sure there is nothing on the bow to chafe pennant lines. Generally, hauling is best and can alleviate many sleepless nights.”
The early-season nor’easter also brought down trees and limbs and knocked out power to about 50 customers across town.
At Devereux Beach, dozens of surfers took advantage of the heavy waves while spectators gathered along the shoreline to watch the storm churn up the coast.
