We are closely monitoring the potential nor’easter that is forecast to impact our area starting late Monday night and lasting through Wednesday evening. This is going to be a long duration storm bringing strong east to northeast winds, heavy rain and snow, and the potential for minor to moderate coastal flooding.
Fortunately, we are forecast to get mostly rain with periods of heavy snow mixing in, snow more likely in the West End. The rain and winds are expected to start soon after the Monday evening commute and should start to ramp up around midnight. We could experience localized street flooding from the heavy rain so please make sure your street drains are clear.
We are under a high wind watch; the current forecast calls for winds to be steady east 25-35mph with gusts that could exceed 60mph. If gusts exceed 60 mph we could experience tree and limb damage which would likely cause isolated to scattered power outages. Depending on the movement of the low-pressure center, we may actually get a break from the wind Tuesday afternoon. Don’t be fooled and think the storm is over, the winds are forecast to shift from the northwest just as strong as the easterly winds earlier. 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 800-596-2000.
These winds will stir up our coastal waters bringing nearshore waves to 10’-15’ along with a potential 2’-3’ storm surge. There is a coastal flood potential at the 4:30am (9.8’) and the 5pm (8.3’) high tides depending on the timing of the strongest winds and storm surge. We anticipate minor coastal flooding and possible moderate flooding in some of our low-lying areas.
With these moderate high tides and strong easterly winds, coastal homes should make their properties safe by securing outside equipment and boarding up east facing windows and doors. If the low pressure shifts to the east the winds will likely strengthen and shift from the northeast increasing our coastal impacts.
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!
