PLUM ISLAND, Mass. (WHDH) — Fierce ocean waves and strong winds are creating flooding concerns along the coast as a winter storm hammers Massachusetts, and some residents fear it’s already too late for their homes.
A coastal flood advisory was in effect until 5 p.m. for Barnstable, Eastern Essex, Eastern Norfolk, Eastern Plymouth, Nantucket, and Suffolk counties.
A 2- to 3-foot storm surge hit around high tide at 3 p.m. with wind gusts reaching 40 to 60 mph.
Sandbags weighing 3,000 pounds were placed in parts of Plum Island to help protect homes near the ocean; however, some got knocked over or went missing during high tide at 2 a.m.
Another high tide hit the island 12 hours later and even more sandbags were swept away. Lela Wright said her house was surrounded by water and likely a loss.
“This is the absolute worst, we’re at the point where we’re probably going to lose our house, the neighbors are probably going to lose their house,” Wright said. “There’s nothing that can be done fast enough to save us.”
Wright criticized “finger-pointing” between city and state officials, saying they needed to come up with a better plan to protect homes.
“We need steel piles, that’s the only thing that’s going to save this end of the island,” Wright said.
The mayor of Newburyport confirmed that one family did have to be evacuated Tuesday afternoon.
She said she has been working to secure the steel piles so that they can be installed until the Merrimack River can be dredged later this year.
For the latest forecast updates, visit the 7Weather page.
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