Confidence is increasing that a strong storm forecast to develop off the East Coast by this weekend will grow
into a Nor’easter, bringing heavy snow, strong winds and potential coastal flooding to
parts of Massachusetts. The National Weather Service anticipates the storm will move into MA
late Friday night and will intensify overnight into Saturday.
Potential Impacts
- Hazardous Travel – low visibility, heavy snowfall, blowing/drifting snow
- Power Outages and Wind Damage – Strong winds, combined with the weight of heavy snow, may down trees and power lines, leading to power outages. Winds are expected to be strong on Saturday, especially during the afternoon and evening. Eastern MA will be at greatest risk. Strong northeast winds gusts of 50 MPH are expected with the possibility of wind gusts of 60 MPH or higher for Cape Cod.
- Coastal Flooding – Minor coastal flooding (inundation of less than one foot above ground level). Localized
moderate coastal flooding (inundation of 1 to 2 feet above ground level) is possible. The high tide of concern is Saturday evening when a 2–4-foot storm surge (4 feet being a “worst case” scenario) is expected.
The Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea will activate a winter parking ban at 4 PM on Friday, January 28 and it will continue until further notice. During this time street parking is not permitted to allow DPW to safely clear roadways. Remember, when the blue lights are aglow, no street parking in the snow! Please also be aware of potential coastal flooding if parking behind Town Hall during both high tides on Saturday.