For Immediate Release

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Newburyport Emergency Officials Alert Residents to Potential Flooding, Outages as Storm Approaches

NEWBURYPORT– With an approaching Nor’easter set to hit Massachusetts, Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director Christopher LeClaire would like to alert residents to the potential for flooding and outages.

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

Newburyport emergency officials highly encourage individuals to heed a recommended voluntary evacuation for all Plum Island residents that will be in effect starting Friday morning and continuing through Saturday evening.

Primary concerns for all coastal residents will be during high tides: Friday at 11:39 a.m. and Saturday at 12:06 a.m. and 12:27 p.m. Any rescue operations could be severely hindered throughout the storm.

Residents who were impacted by the Winter Storm Grayson in January should plan to be similarly impacted tomorrow and Saturday, and should relocate motor vehicles to higher ground until further notice. Residents away from the coast should prepare their homes for street flooding due to heavy rains, which will begin as early as 5 a.m. Friday.

“This is a severe weather event that will include flooding, strong winds and coastal erosion due to storm surges” Chief LeClaire said. “This storm should be taken seriously and residents should be proactive in order to avoid injury or damage to property.”

Additionally, to prepare for the storm, Newburyport Fire and Emergency Management 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.

Residents should check the Newburyport Police and city websites for storm related updates, and contact the fire department with any storm related questions.

If there is an emergency, dial 911.

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