For Immediate Release

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-752-9877
Email: john@jgpr.net

Canton Fire Department Advisory: Severe Weather Possible Saturday Night into Sunday

CANTON —  Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Charles Doody has been briefed by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency concerning the possibility of strong to severe storms and torrential rain in the region this weekend.

“While we are used to severe weather here in New England — summer or winter — you can never be too prepared for a storm,” Chief Doody said. “I urge our residents to read the warnings and study the valuable safety tips below. As always, it pays to watch the weather forecasts and adjust plans accordingly.”

From late Saturday through Sunday, the primary concerns are for flash flooding, damaging winds, and dangerous lightning, and the ever-present chance that a rogue severe storm can produce a tornado.

From the National Weather Service in Norton

An unusually strong coastal low pressure system for mid-summer will impact southern New England late tonight into Sunday with torrential downpours that may result in localized flash flooding, especially in urban areas with the greatest risk across Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts.

In addition, a few strong to perhaps severe thunderstorms may impact the region during this time with the greatest risk across Connecticut, Rhode Island and southeast Massachusetts. A few of these storms may produce damaging winds resulting in tree damage and possible isolated power outages. Given the setup a brief isolated tornado cannot be ruled out either.

Flash flooding and severe thunderstorms typically offer low predictability and this is certainly the case with this evolving weather system.  Therefore it’s very important to follow the latest weather updates.

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) at MEMA Headquarters in Framingham is monitoring the situation.

Preparedness and Safety Information

Thunderstorm and Lightning Safety Tips: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/thunderstorm-and-lightning-safety-tips

Tornado Safety Tips: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/tornado-safety-tips

Flood Safety Tips: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/flood-safety-tips

Sign up for Alerts

Chief Doody urges those who live or work in Canton to sign up for the town’s emergency alert system now that hurricane season is officially underway. Canton’s Emergency Alert Program is the official emergency notification system used by the town to communicate with residents and business owners during a broad range of emergencies. You can sign up for the alerts by clicking here. Anyone with questions or concerns can call the Canton Fire Department anytime at 781-821-5095.

###