Marion, Mattapoisett facing possibility of 'serious coastal flooding'

Jan 3, 2018

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has warned that coastal towns in southeastern Massachusetts are at a significant risk of coastal flooding in the upcoming blizzard.

Due to high tide and a potential storm surge of 3-4 feet, related to the blizzard expected to hit the region on Thursday, all residents in flood-prone areas are being asked to prepare for the possibility, beginning around 3 a.m. Thursday morning.

Due to high winds and potentially large amounts of wet and heavy snow, residents of all three towns are being encouraged to prepare their emergency backup power sources.

The State Emergency Preparedness Guide recommends all residents prepare to shelter in place for at least 72 hours.

If conditions dictate opening emergency shelters (Sippican School in Marion, Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett, and the Rochester Senior Center in Rochester), towns will send notice by posting to local media sources and radio stations.

All residents are encouraged to charge cell phones and battery-operated devices due to the potential of an extended power outage and land phone lines being out of service from the storm.