PLYMOUTH, MASS. (WHDH) - Across Massachusetts, Bay Staters are preparing for the first nor’easter of the season.
With hours just hours to go until the strong winds and heavy rain move in, agencies all over the state are keeping a close eye on the potential for power outages.
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“We’re used to nor’easters in Massachusetts, but they can be very damaging storms,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management spokesperson Tom Lyons.
Heavy rains and winds in excess of 60 mph are expected for Southern New England Tuesday. MEMA is urging residents to make sure their cellphones are charged and to have supplies like a flashlight and batteries on hand.
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“There’s still a lot of leaves in the trees snd when the winds hit those trees, they can bring power lines down and that can cause a lot of problems,” said Lyons.
Eversource spokesman Chris McKinnon said the company was preparing emergency crews.
“We are monitoring the forecast very closely right now and positioning our crews in areas that are going to be hardest-hit,” McKinnon said.
The potential for power outages is not the only thing residents should be concerned about. According to MEMA, the potential for flooding could be a major problem for some.
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Boaters secured their vessels and repair crews got ready for the nor’easter that is predicted to hit Massachusetts Tuesday.
“This is going to be nasty, we’re not taking any chances,” said Whit Perry, captain of the Mayflower II at Plimouth Plantation. “It looks like a whopper of an October storm.”
Homeowners should clear rain gutters and catch basins to avoid any problems, officials say.
“If you have a basement that is prone to flooding, you want to make sure you get anything on the ground elevated and off the ground,” said Lyons.
The MBTA has already canceled ferry service.
For the latest weather updates, visit the 7Weather page.
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