Newbury Police, Fire Departments Share Information, Safety Tips Regarding Expected Storm on Tuesday

NEWBURY — The National Weather Service (NWS), in conjunction with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) meteorologists, are predicting a strong winter storm to impact the Commonwealth on Tuesday, Feb. 13, and have issued a Coastal Flood Warning for the entire eastern coastline from the Merrimack River to Cape Cod and the Islands.

Specific to Newbury and Plum Island, the Police and Fire Departments expect snowfall to begin in the morning, with an afternoon peak and the snowfall to taper off by the evening. It’s expected that strong northeast winds, up to 45 mph, will create a 1.5- to 2-foot storm surge. Seas of 15 to 20 feet offshore may bring added impacts of coastal erosion and debris onto coastal roadways.

Public safety leaders are concerned about the coastal flooding that’s anticipated to take place along the coast around the 2:10 p.m. high tide cycle. Residents of Plum Island and east Pine Island Road should anticipate losing access to the sole roadways before the peak of the tide. Flooding can be anticipated in the traditional areas, specifically at Newman Road and Middle Road at Thurlow’s Bridge. The heavy wind could yield power outages. 

The Town of Newbury has requested access to a high-water vehicle through MEMA, similar to the one seen during the January storms. As always, Newbury first responders will be on the Island before the anticipated flooding of Plum Island Turnpike and will remain there so long as it’s safe to do so.

While supplies last, sandbags are available by contacting the Newbury Communication Center at 978-462-4440, ext. 0. Sandbag pickup will be at Newbury Highway Department. As always, the Town appreciates its partnership with the Plum Island Taxpayers & Associates Inc. for opening PITA Hall, 8 Plum Island Turnpike, as a warming/charging station. PITA Hall will be opened for the duration of the storm.

At this time, Newbury Police, Fire and Emergency Management suggest:

• Non-residents remain away from Plum Island during the storm, specifically the hightide cycle;
• Plum Island residents minimize on-island driving during the storm. This reduces the likelihood of accidents and the potential impact vehicle water-wake may have on residential property and commercial businesses in the flood zones;
• Residents prepare for power outages and extended periods of time without access to the mainland;
• Residents who are unable to go without access to the mainland should make alternative off-island accommodations for the high tide cycle or the duration of the storm;
• If you live in a vulnerable flood area, prepare your property for flooding and, if necessary, make alternative off-island accommodations for the high tide cycle or the duration of the storm;
• Follow the Newbury Police & Fire Departments on social media for up-to-date advisories;
• Sign up to receive Newbury emergency alerts via the On Solve CodeRED notification system.

The Town, Police, and Fire Departments thank residents in advance for their cooperation.

Residents with questions or concerns should call 911 or Newbury Communication Center at 978-462-4440, ext. 0.