What to Expect from Hurricane Sandy

Today the National Weather Service briefed Emergency Management teams from across the state about Hurricane Sandy. There are still many hours until Sandy will hit Massachusetts, and so there are many changes that can still take place. However, as of this afternoon, Islanders and those along the south coast can expect the following:

• Storm is expected to hit at 4 am Monday morning
• The wind field will be large.
• There will be a significant impact along the south coast of Massachusetts.
• Wind speeds on Monday morning to Monday noon are forecasted to be 40 mph to 50 mph, gusting to 60 mph to 80 mph.
• Wind speeds on Monday afternoon into Tuesday are forecasted to be 40 mph to 50 mph, gusting to over 50 mph
• Storm Surge on Monday morning to Monday noon are forecasted to be 2 feet to 3 feet, and from Monday noon to Monday eve to be 3 feet to 5 feet, and from Monday eve into Tuesday to be 2 ft to 4 ft.
• Ocean waves off the south coast are forecasted to be 30+ feet.
• Expect Coastal flooding and beach erosion on the south coast.
• Power outages are likely
• Temperatures will be 40s to low 50s at night and into the upper 50s during the day.

The Coast Guard has moved its 25-foot boat to the airport and one of its two 42-foot boats to behind the hurricane wall in New Bedford. It is expected that the second boat will be moved before the storm.

Dukes County’s Emergency Preparedness Tip of the Day – “Always have a backup plan”

Currently, the Steamship Authority anticipates possible trip cancellations Sunday night into Tuesday due to the potential impacts of Hurricane Sandy. Those wishing to make or modify a reservation please call 508.477.8600, visit www.steamshipauthority.com, or visit one of the terminals.

As of now, there are no plans to open shelters. Please continue to check MVPatch for further updates.