Press Release  Governor Healey Issues Preparedness Tips Ahead of the Weekend Storm

BOSTON — In anticipation of a weekend nor’easter forecasted to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and higher than normal tides to Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey and state officials are urging the public, especially those who live in coastal communities, to prepare ahead of the storm’s arrival.

While much of the storm’s impacts are currently expected along the coast, the National Weather Service Boston/Norton office predicts Massachusetts will receive heavy rain and gusty wind Friday to Sunday. Eastern Massachusetts may receive 2 to 6 inches of rain over the course of the weekend. Sustained winds of 30-40 miles per hour are expected throughout Central and Eastern Massachusetts with gusts up to 60 miles per hour on the coast. Minor coastal flooding and pockets of widespread erosion are also possible.

With leaves still on the trees, strong wind gusts may down tree limbs and cause scattered power outages, especially near coastal areas. Drivers should expect slow travel from Friday evening through Sunday and should follow local officials’ instructions regarding any road closures due to flooding or downed trees. High-profile vehicles are susceptible to strong wind gusts. 

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is coordinating closely with the National Weather Service, emergency management partners at the regional and local levels, including the Barnstable County Multi Agency Coordination Center, and the Department of Public Utilities. Local coordinators in MEMA’s eastern regional office are in contact with emergency management directors in cities and towns, especially those along the coast, to identify any outstanding needs or requests ahead of the storm. The State Emergency Operations Center is operating at steady state monitoring and is prepared to rapidly activate if needed.  

“Our top priority is keeping people safe, and Massachusetts is prepared for this storm,” said Governor Maura Healey. “It isn’t often we see nor’easters this early in the fall, but our teams are closely monitoring the forecast, coordinating with local officials and ready to respond quickly to support communities before, during and after the storm.”

“Residents, especially those in Eastern Massachusetts, should take time ahead of the storm to prepare,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Make sure to have all your devices fully charged and that you have extra batteries for flashlights in case of power outages.”

“September is Emergency Preparedness Month, and this storm is another reminder of why it’s important to be prepared,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “Check on neighbors, especially older adults and anyone who has a disability, to see if they need help preparing and check in throughout the weekend.”

How Residents Can Prepare 

Residents should take in or secure any loose objects in their yard that may be blown over by strong winds. 

Monitor conditions closely and ensure that emergency alerts are enabled on your cell phone. If your community has a reverse 911 system, you should sign up to receive local warnings.

Make sure your home emergency kit is stocked with supplies that could help in the event of a power outage. Fully charge your cellphone, laptop, and any essential electronic devices. Flashlights are safer than candles, but if you must use candles, then keep anything that can burn at least a foot away and extinguish them before leaving the room or going to sleep. Ensure you have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices. 

If you use a generator for a power outage, be aware of fire, shock, and carbon monoxide hazards. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using it. Place it outdoors, not in the house or an attached garage, with the exhaust pointed away from doors and windows. Let the generator cool before refueling. Use only outdoor-rated extension cords. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to make sure they’re working properly and have fresh batteries.

Department of Transportation 

“During a nor’easter, preparation and staying informed are among the most important things we can do to keep ourselves and our communities safe,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “We encourage everyone to have a plan, give yourselves extra time, and check weather and travel conditions before heading out if you have to travel. Be sure to consider conditions for your entire trip, including your return journey and adjust your plans if conditions are expected to worsen. Our crews are prepared and are working to keep our transportation system safe.”

MassDOT is advising travelers that heavy rain and wind may reduce visibility and cause roadway flooding, impacting travel from Friday evening through Sunday. Drivers are urged to minimize travel but, if it is necessary, to proceed with caution, allow extra time, and check forecasts for their routes and destinations. Ahead of the storm, crews are inspecting areas with a history of flooding and ensuring that drainage structures and catch basins are clear of debris. MassDOT will monitor road conditions throughout the storm, and will respond to roadways with flooding, drainage issues, or downed trees. For real-time updates on roadway conditions, travelers are encouraged to utilize mass511.com and @MassDOT on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

MBTA 

Riders are encouraged to allow extra time for their travel plans and check daily weather forecasts, including for any return trips they anticipate taking. Riders can also visit the MBTA’s Extreme Weather Guide at MBTA.com/Weather for helpful tips on staying safe and connected, and sign up for and check T-Alerts for the most current service information.

Ferry Service Information

The MBTA and its ferry services operator have daily discussions with the US Coast Guard and National Weather Service to talk about the forecast and expected conditions. These discussions help inform decisions regarding commuter boat operations.  

All MBTA ferry services will be cancelled this Saturday and Sunday, September 26 – 27.  

All Lynn and Quincy ferry service have been cancelled today, September 24, due to rough seas. Winthrop and Harbor Loop ferry passengers may experience uncomfortable conditions and possible cancellations today due to rough seas.  

Assessing conditions day-to-day, the upcoming weather will affect ferry services on September 25:

• Several Charlestown Ferry trips are cancelled Friday morning. Additional trips are scheduled to operate as conditions allow, but may be cancelled as well. 
• All Lynn, Winthrop, and Quincy Ferry trips are cancelled tomorrow.  
• Hingham, Hingham/Hull, East Boston, Charlestown, and Harbor Loop trips are currently scheduled to operate as conditions allow, but may be cancelled tomorrow.  
• Passengers are strongly encouraged to stay connected and check T-Alerts for the most current ferry service information.  

Other MBTA Services

Flooding and downed tree limbs or wires can impact train service during storms. With safety as a top priority, the MBTA may operate buses, subway trains, and the Commuter Rail at slower speeds. If flooding occurs, subway and Commuter Rail service may be suspended or replaced with shuttle buses, and bus routes may be detoured to avoid the area.

Extreme storms may impact road conditions for RIDE vehicles, and drivers may not be able to access some locations due to flooding or debris. Before and during the storm, RIDE customers can call The RIDE Access Center (TRAC) at 844-427-7433 for information about delays or cancelations for any scheduled trips.

Massport 

Massport expects flight delays and cancellations throughout the weekend at both Logan and Worcester Regional airports. Passengers should check with their airline before coming to the airport.

Department of Public Utilities

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and the Electric Distribution Companies (EDCs) continue to monitor the weather forecast and are updating their Emergency Response Plans accordingly. The DPU and EDCs remain in close communication as the storm develops. The EDCs conduct daily storm planning calls, provide regular updates to the DPU regarding storm preparation activities, and the companies will put in place their Emergency Response Plans if and when necessary to swiftly address any potential outages. 

Should customers experience any power outages, report the issue directly to your electric company. Please stay far away from any downed wires at all times and report them immediately to 911.

Coastal Zone Management

CZM is coordinating its Coastal Storm Damage Assessment Team, which brings together trained state, federal, and local personnel to assess coastal impacts during and after the storm. The team will use the MyCoast Massachusetts App to document coastal flooding, erosion, and storm damage to help inform and support state and local response efforts. Residents can also use MyCoast to report coastal storm impacts in their communities.

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) 

In anticipation of heavy rainfall, MassDEP urges residents and businesses to reduce the risk of flooding by ensuring nearby storm drains are clear of leaves, trash, and other debris. Blocked storm drains can quickly lead to significant street and basement flooding. Keeping drains clear helps protect homes, businesses, roadways, and the environment from stormwater impacts. Additionally, MassDEP offers Storm Preparedness and Emergency Response Resources that provides guidance on responding to spills of oil or hazardous materials, debris management and tools for water utilities. 

Department of Conservation and Recreation 

DCR is preparing properties for the inclement weather and will be ready to handle downed trees and other impacts in the affected areas. The agency ensured that all storm drains were clear of debris. DCR also canceled Fall Fest programs at the Blue Hills and Breakheart Reservations, and many special events have been postponed to ensure public safety. Visitors are encouraged to check the DCR Park Alerts webpage before heading to a park during the storm. 

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