Winthrop Officials Alert Residents to Potential Flooding, Outages as Storm Hits Massachusetts

WINTHROP — As a nor’easter hits Massachusetts today and tomorrow, Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director Paul E. Flanagan and Town Manager Terence Delehanty would like alert residents to the potential for flooding and outages.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for Winthrop, with a coastal flood warning beginning Friday morning and continuing until Saturday afternoon.

A parking ban went into effect today at 8 a.m. on Winthrop Shore Drive.

Primary concerns for all coastal residents will be during high tides: Friday at 11:16 a.m. and 11:46 p.m., and Saturday at 12:06 p.m. All three tide cycles have been forecasted to be equal or surpass those of Winter Storm Grayson’s flood levels in January.

Tide levels in the Boston harbor area could reach historic highs during this period.

Residents who were impacted by the January storm should plan to relocate motor vehicles to higher ground until further notice.

All coastal residents with northeast exposure should consider evacuation two hours prior to high tides. Residents away from the coast should prepare their homes for street flooding due to heavy rains.

The Winthrop Senior Center will be open to residents who would like to relocate from their homes during high tides.

“We expect this storm to be as damaging, if not more so, than what we experienced during Storm Grayson in January,” Chief Flanagan said. “High tides will be extremely powerful, so if you are on the coast, please prepare to relocate yourself and your vehicle to best ensure your safety and prevent damage.”

Additionally, to prepare for the storm, the Winthrop officials advise residents to:

- Be sure to have working batteries for flashlights and battery-powered lanterns to use in the event of a power outage. If you must use candles, keep them away from anything flammable and do not leave them unattended.
- Keep cell phones charged.
- If possible, move or secure any outside items that could get blown by heavy wind gusts, such as lawn furniture.
- Clear any storm drains of debris.
- Stay off the roads and stay indoors, if possible.

“We urge residents to be proactive as this nor’easter hits Massachusetts,” Town Manager Delehanty said. “Being on the coast, where the storm is at its worst, leaves us in a position where flooding, high winds and power outages are almost a guarantee.”

Chief Flanagan and Town Manager Delehanty urge all residents to stay informed by logging onto the Winthrop town website for updates as well as tuning into local cable access station WCAT.

If there is an emergency, dial 911.

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