By Katie Curley Katzman
While much of the region spent yesterday cleaning up, along the coast, residents and emergency officials are bracing for flooding this weekend.
With a full moon expected tomorrow night, astronomical high tides and continued offshore winds make the chance of flooding at Plum Island and Salisbury Beach a strong possibility. And along the Merrimack River, the runoff from 2 to 3 inches of rain along with melting ice and snow should begin to arrive downstream.
Yesterday afternoon, Newbury police Chief Michael Riley issued a notice to Northern Boulevard residents alerting them that flooding and erosion were continued threats on the barrier island.
Riley suggested those in the affected area have travel bags ready should a breach in the sandbags occur over the weekend, forcing a hasty evacuation.
"This storm will last throughout the weekend and possibly into early next week," the letter read. "The National Weather Service has specifically warned that during the next two high tide cycles (8:15 last night and 8:30 a.m. today there will be 18-foot to 22-foot seas and strong east winds at 60 to 70 mph gusts.
"These two high tide cycles are of major concern for severe beach erosion," Riley wrote. "As the winds will not allow the high tide waters to fully recede, the high tide cycles throughout the course of the weekend will be particularly troublesome for flooding."
With widespread power outages across town, Newbury Selectman Joe Story said a state of emergency was declared and a shelter was set up for those without heat or running water.
"We were hit pretty good south of the groin near the (beach) center," Story said. "In a conference with the National Weather Service and Massachusetts Emergency Management, they were very concerned we'll be having some pretty rough seas this weekend."
While Newbury officials blocked off access to the eroded Plum Island dunes, which were breached by the morning tide, Salisbury officials said their fears for flooding were more inland.
"There is a flood warning registered for the Merrimack River up to Haverhill, but whatever happens there has to come out the mouth of the river," Salisbury Emergency Management director Bob Cook said. "I have a hunch (flooding) is going to impact some of the inland areas that are prone to flooding."
Cook mentioned Bridge, Ferry and Beach roads being particular vulnerable. Cook said the upcoming high tides aren't expected to be extremely high, but Plum Island officials fear that the sustained Northeast wind would keep tides from dissipating entirely, leaving the island's eroded dune vulnerable as well.
Yesterday morning's high tide at 8:35 a.m. drew crowds of curious residents to Plum Island Center to see violent waves crashing over the sandbags and into the parking lot.
Newbury police and fire officials stationed at Plum Island Center said they were trying to keep people back and out of harm's way.
Riley said emergency personnel will be monitoring each tide two hours before and after when waves are at their peak.
At times yesterday, the Plum Island Turnpike resembled the seashore, with ocean waters coming across the roadway and hampering travel to and from the island.
Once the tides had receded, debris made up of seaweed and driftwood covered the roadways.
"Although we are confident that the sandbags will protect vulnerable property, we have to be prepared for a breach," Riley said. "Newbury Emergency Management will be mobilized throughout the duration of this event and will be closely monitoring the situation. ... We fully expect there to be mild to moderate splash-over from ocean waves during this event."
This Weekend's High Tides
Today: 9:33 a.m., 9:15 p.m.
Tomorrow: 10:27 a.m., 10:57 p.m.
Monday: 11:44 a.m.
