Potential Nor’easter

SCITUATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Good afternoon,

We are closely monitoring the potential Nor’easter that is forecast to impact our area starting late Friday night and lasting through Saturday evening. This is going to be a long duration storm bringing strong northeast winds, heavy snow, and the potential for minor to moderate coastal flooding.

Heavy snow, with potential blizzard conditions, could exceed 12”-16” in our area with some mixing possible along the coast. If this does occur, travel will be extremely difficult so try to plan ahead by completing any tasks you have to do by Friday.

The current forecast calls for winds to be steady northeast 35-40 mph with gusts that could exceed 60 mph. If gusts exceed 60 mph expect tree and limb damage which would likely cause isolated to scattered power outages. If you see downed power lines please stay clear and call the Fire Dept. (911), National Grid for any power issues at 800-465-1212, and Eversource in Humarock at 800-286-2000.

These winds will stir up our coastal waters bringing nearshore waves to 10’-15’ early in the day and may exceed 20’ later in the day as the storm strengthens. The coastal flood potential at the 8 AM (10.3’) and the 9 PM (8.6’) high tides will depend on the timing of the strongest winds with the potential for minor coastal flooding and moderate flooding in some of our low-lying areas. Currently the strongest winds are anticipated from 7 AM through 5 PM (daytime hours), if this timing comes earlier this could increase the flood potential.

With these moderately high astronomical tides and strong northeast winds, coastal homes should make their properties safe by securing outside equipment and boarding up windows and doors.

Coastal residents should also consider relocating to a hotel or friend’s home for this storm. If evacuating please get this done Friday evening, or at the latest by 6 AM Saturday, two hours before high tide. The attachment includes a list of local hotels. It would be wise to book early as the media & utility companies often book blocks of rooms, you can always cancel if things change for the better.

With the potential for power outages and anticipated travel restrictions please fuel your vehicles, generators, and heating systems (if propane or oil). It would be wise to fuel and start your generators early and please make sure you place them in a safe location to eliminate any exhaust getting into your home. 

Things could change with the track and timing of this storm but we are preparing for a significant impact to Scituate. Please stay informed and start your preparations early. We will provide additional advisories as needed.

Be prepared and Stay Safe!