All residents are urged to take appropriate precautions and stay safe.
What we expect to see in Newburyport:
- Severe coastal storm expected late Friday night, Jan. 28, throughout Saturday, Jan. 29.
- Wind gusts of up to 70 mph
- 18-24 inches of snow
- Flooding of low-lying areas, overwash, and overtopping of dunes, seawalls and coastal banks is expected
- Significant migration of sand from beach and dunes to roads and properties is possible.
- Shorefront properties may see significant wave action and storm damage, especially during high tides (Saturday, 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.)
Pre-Storm Preparation and Plan
- The City will communicate general information on the storm to all residents through its normal communication channels, including the City website and social media. More specific, localized communication will come through the Reverse 911/Code Red system and through door-to-door conversations as appropriate.
- A Parking Ban is in effect starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 28, until further notice. During a parking ban all parking is prohibited on public ways. Any vehicle parked on a public way will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. Parking ban status information is provided at www.cityofNewburyport.com or by calling 978-463-0472.
- Protection of public utilities and plans for restoration of any damaged utilities a high priority.
- Utilities may have to be shut down.
- Water and sewer service might need to be isolated/shut down in certain areas, not restored until after the storm and or when the issues can be addressed.
- Suggestions for self-preparation
- Please be mindful of tanks such as propane tanks
- In the case of a power outage, be prepared with flashlights and charged phone batteries, etc.
- Secure all outdoor furniture and structures as much as possible.
- Secure anything else that isn’t firmly planted to the ground
- Remove any screening where possible or other things that catch the wind
During the Storm
- Emergency services will be monitoring all areas of the city, including Plum Island.
- Emergency services will work hard to respond all calls but access may be impeded by flooded roadways and/or heavy snow.
- The City will remain in close contact with critical utility providers
- All residents are urged to stay off the roads if possible and avoid travel to Plum Island unless residing there. High water is expected to cause flooding and potential loss of access across the Plum Island Turnpike, especially at high tides. National Guard has been requested to assist if necessary but response may be delayed based on needs across the state
- The most severe high tides are expected at 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday.
- If residents need alternative shelter, PITA Hall will be open. Should residents need emergency overnight shelter, please contact the Fire Department at 978-465-4427.
- For non-emergency assistance contact the Police Department at 978-462-4411 and Fire Department at 978-465-4427
- Residents are urged to stay away from any downed power lines, live wires, or fallen trees. Please call National Grid or the Police Department to notify of any such issues.
- Residents are urged to be careful with deep puddles, water, debris and damaged structures.
INFORMATION SOURCES:
- Residents are encouraged to use the City website, https:/www.cityofnewburyport.com, and the central location for information.
- Code Red may be used, if necessary.