NEWBURYPORT EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
NEWBURYPORT FIRE DEPARTMENT
NEWBURYPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT
URGENT MESSAGE FOR PLUM ISLAND RESIDENTS
REGARDING IMPENDING STORM
Newburyport, MA — VOLUNTARY EVACUATION IS ADVISED. The forecasted storm moving into our area Friday (3/2/18) through Sunday (3/4/18) has the potential for life-threatening flooding and coastal erosion. The storm is projected to last for over three high tide cycles, beginning the mid-day high tide cycle on Friday, 3/2/18. Flooding is projected to be equal to or greater than the flooding that occurred during the January 4th storm where numerous Plum Island homes were flooded and the Plum Island Turnpike was impassable for several hours. However, unlike the January 4th storm, this storm is projected to last numerous days and several high tide cycles. There is the potential for Plum Island to be inaccessible for an extended period of time. Beach erosion is also a major concern and residents along the beach should prepare for major erosion. This erosion could place the vulnerable houses in immediate peril. Those residents in vulnerable houses should prepare to evacuate. As roads may be impassable for extended periods of time, emergency responders will not be able to respond to many areas in a timely manner. As such, Newburyport Emergency Management, in conjunction with Newbury Emergency Management is suggesting a voluntary evacuation of Plum Island from mid-day Friday until Saturday evening. If accessible, Plum Island will be open to residents only during this time-frame. The public beaches will be closed during this time-frame as life-threatening wave action will be occurring.
If you choose to leave Plum Island, please check the Newburyport Police and Newbury Police Facebook pages often for updates. Also, please do not attempt to drive a vehicle through flood waters. Please be advised that if you choose to remain in your home, depending upon the severity of flooding, emergency responders may be unable to respond to your residence. Plum Island Turnpike and the public beaches will remain closed until Emergency Management determines that they are safe to open. The Newburyport Emergency Management Center will be opening at 8:00 on Friday morning March 2, 2018. All non-emergency, storm-related calls should be directed to 978-465-4424. PLEASE TAKE THIS STORM SERIOUSLY.
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