Nor’easter Advisory #5
SCITUATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
January 29, 2022
January Nor’easter Advisory #5
Good Afternoon,
As predicted, we have been hit with a strong nor’easter that continues to impact our area with heavy snow, strong winds, coastal flooding, and power outages. The strongest winds and snowfall are peaking now (noon) through this afternoon. We have confirmed gusts of 72mph along the coastline contributing to over 1000 (12%) homes without power. We have received an unofficial report of 95mph along the coast as well.
So far, we have received about 11” in the West side of Town and closer to 8” of heavy snow closer to the coast. We experienced widespread minor flooding this morning as expected, leaving debris along many of our coastal roads. We anticipate similar flooding this evening as the seas continue to build. Fortunately, the winds are expected to turn north/northwest this afternoon which should reduce some of the heavy splash over at tonight’s 9pm high tide. With this wind, shift temperatures will drop and create more icing on our coastal homes and roads.
The plow crews are working hard to keep our roads clear but is a challenge with heavy snow and whiteout conditions. We ask everyone to stay off the roads through this evening and allow the plows to do their job and for the utility companies to start their damage assessment. Understand, we expect our coastal roads to become very slick as the temps drop this afternoon.
This storm is challenging for all, especially our senior citizens. Please reach out to your friends and neighbors that are seniors to make sure they have what they need to get through the rest of this storm. It would be helpful to check in with them periodically. It would also be nice to assist them with shoveling out their driveway and walkway. If there are seniors that do not have anyone who can assist them, they can reach out to Scituate Public Safety at 781-545-5515 or 781-545-1212 and we will help find you some assistance.
We still plan on opening our Senior Center on Sunday as a warming and charging station at noon. If anyone is in need of transportation please call the numbers above. We did not offer any shelter or warming stations today because we did not want to encourage anyone to be driving, it’s just too dangerous for travel.
A few additional safety tips for blizzard like conditions. If you have a heating system with a vent on the side of your home please make sure the vent is clear of any snow drifts. If blocked it could create a dangerous carbon monoxide situation. For those setting up generators place them with the exhaust facing away from their homes to minimize any chance of carbon monoxide poisoning. Please stay clear of any downed wires and report any electrical or power issues to the numbers we have provided. Lastly, when safe please clear fire hydrants and drains in your neighborhood. A 3’ clearance around the hydrant would be appreciated.
This has proven to be a very strong and challenging storm but with common sense, patience, and trust in your Public Safety and Emergency Management Team we will get through the rest of this storm as we always do.
Stay informed and be Safe!