PLUM ISLAND, Mass. (WHDH) — Fierce ocean waves and strong winds are creating flood concerns along the coast as Monday’s winter storm hammers Massachusetts.
RELATED: Winter storm warning issued for majority of Massachusetts
Coastal communities on the North Shore, including Plum Island, saw 40 to 50 mph gusts during the height of the storm, in addition to snow and rain.
A coastal flood advisory will be in effect for Essex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Barnstable counties from 11 p.m. on Monday until 4 p.m. on Tuesday. High tide is expected to hit around 2:30 a.m.
Half an hour *before* high tide at Long Wharf today. Too windy & frigid to stick around to see how bad it got. pic.twitter.com/UWNd8Nn67Q
— Mom needs coffee (Lisa Green) (@CarCarll) February 1, 2021
Coastal flooding is expected along the North Shore from Marblehead northward along the coast to Newburyport.
The combination of high tides and large swells will result in flooding of some immediate coastal roads and some road closures are anticipated. Residents were told to expect minor coastal flooding of some low-lying roadways as well.
In the northern part of the island, the state delivered dozens of sandbags, each weighing 3,000 pounds, to help protect the homes there.
“I was very nervous this weekend,” homeowner, Lela Wright said. “And I was very relieved when I got home at 11 0’clocka and say what had happened in the few hours I had been gone.”
Coastal flooding is always a concern for this homeowner when it comes to Nor’easters. Over the years she said she has seen much of her beach go underwater. Now, only about 20 feet of sand separates her foundation from the water.
“Since the dune washed out in April we’ve been flooded nine times and we are very lucky that we have been able to keep it out of the house and we just deal with the clean up because that’s part of living here,” Wright said.
Flooding was also a concern in Scituate when the high tide hits early Tuesday morning.
It is not a big snow event there but winds battered the coast.
“Tonight and tomorrow will be higher tides with more wind,” Scituate Town Administrator Jim Boudreau said. “So, we are concerned about those tides.”
Town officials are working with National Grid and in Marshfield, Eversource to ensure the lights stay on.
For the latest forecast updates, visit the 7Weather page.
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)