Fwd: SITUATIONAL AWARENESS STATEMENT: HEAVY RAINS AND STRONG WINDS

 

 

DATE:              December 23, 2014

TIME:              9:30 AM

SUBJECT:         Heavy Rains and Strong Winds Tuesday through Thursday

 

Situation

A weak low pressure system moving up the coast will bring periods of rain today and early tonight.  Pockets of freezing rain are expected in the Berkshires through mid-morning with light ice accumulations on untreated roadways, bridges and overpasses. 

 

A strong storm will bring heavy rain, gusty winds and minor coastal flooding Wednesday into Thursday morning.

 

Heavy Rain

Totals of 1.5 to 2.5 inches are expected today through Thursday morning, with some locations possibly receiving 3 inches.

 

Most of the rain will fall Wednesday night.  The rain, along with snowmelt will cause streams and rivers to rise.  Some minor flooding is possible on a few rivers and streams, as well as in urban and low-lying areas.

 

 

Coastal Flooding
A coastal flood advisory remains in effect from 9 am this morning to 3 pm this afternoon for the eastern Massachusetts coast for the midday high tide cycle, which occurs between 1130 am and 1245 pm.  Minor coastal flooding and minor beach erosion with a storm surge of 1 to 1.5 ft may accompany this storm.  Some of the most vulnerable shore roads may experience flooding within an hour of the midday high tide.  Brief road closures are possible.

 

Another round of minor coastal flooding is possible along the eastern Massachusetts coast during the midday high tide on Wednesday.  Another coastal flood advisory may be issued for this high tide cycle later today.

 

Along the South Coast, the highest surge should occur at low tide early Thursday morning. Minor coastal flooding is no longer expected.

 

 

Strong Winds

Isolated gusts to 50 mph are possible across southeast Massachusetts late Wednesday night, especially if any thunderstorms develop (which is unlikely at this time).

 

West to Southwest winds may gust as high as 45mph on Thursday across much of the area.

 

Along the South Coast, the strongest winds should occur at low tide early Thursday morning.

 

 

Attachments

Updated forecast products from the National Weather Service offices in Taunton and Albany are attached to this email.

 

MEMA Operations

 

The State Emergency Operations Center is operating at Level 1 (Steady State Monitoring).  MEMA will continue to monitor the forecast and will disseminate Situational Awareness Statements as necessary.  At this time, MEMA is expecting to remain at Level 1 throughout the upcoming storms.

 

Stay Informed

 

For additional information and updated forecasts, visit:

www.weather.gov/boston (National Weather Service Taunton)

www.weather.gov/albany (National Weather Service Albany)

www.spc.noaa.gov (Storm Prediction Center)
http://www.weather.gov/nerfc/  (Northeast River Forecast Center)

http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html (MEMA’s Power Outage Website)

      

Utilize Massachusetts Alerts to receive emergency notifications and information from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service.  Massachusetts Alerts is powered by a free app that is available for Android and iPhones. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app (called Massachusetts Alerts) onto your smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.

 

 

Kurt Schwartz

Undersecretary, Homeland Security & Emergency Management

Director, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

 

 

Fwd: Situational Awareness Statement: Coastal Storm - Weather Update

 

DATE: December 9, 2014

TIME: 12:00 PM

SUBJECT: Nor’easter Tuesday – Weather Update

 

Situation

 

The National Weather Service offices in Taunton and Albany have issued a Flood Warning, Winter Weather Advisories, Wind Advisories, a Coastal Flood Advisory, and a Flood Watch for parts of Massachusetts due to a strong coastal low pressure system (Nor’easter) impacting New England today. Heaviest precipitation is expected today into this evening.

 

Heavier precipitation will quickly spread south to north through the morning hours. A mixture of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain is expected. The strongest part of the storm will last from Tuesday into Tuesday night, but the storm may linger into Wednesday, and possibly longer.  The main impacts of this storm will be a period of sleet and freezing rain, heavy rain and associated flooding, and strong damaging winds. 

 

The latest update from NWS Albany is attached.

 

Watches & Warnings

 

A Urban and Small Stream Flood Warning has been issued for southern Bristol County until 5:30 PM. This includes the areas of New Bedford, Fall River, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Westport, Acushnet, and Freetown.

 

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for western and north central Massachusetts.  Portions of this area will be gradually cancelled from southeast to northwest as the day progresses and warmer air works its way northwestward.

 

A Flood Watch is in effect for south central and eastern Massachusetts.

 

A Wind Advisory is in effect along the RI and MA coasts.  Wind gusts of 40-50 mph are expected in the Boston metro area and along the RI coast eastward to the Cape Cod Canal. Wind gusts of 50-55 mph, just shy of Warning criteria, are predicted for the southeast MA coast, including Plymouth County, Cape Cod, and Martha's Vineyard/Nantucket.

 

A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for the eastern Massachusetts coast for the midday high tide.

 

Impacts

  

Snow/Sleet/Freezing Rain

The threat of snow in western Massachusetts has decreased over the past few hours; precipitation in this area is now forecast to be predominantly sleet and freezing rain before transitioning to all rain this afternoon. Travel in western and north central Massachusetts will continue to be impacted by sleet and freezing rain through the afternoon. A transition back to a rain/snow mix may occur tonight in Berkshire County with some light accumulation possible.

 

Coastal Flooding

Some splashover, minor coastal flooding, and minor beach erosion are possible during the midday high tide, which will fall between 11 AM and 3 PM. Surges of 1.5 to 2.0 ft. above the astronomical tide are expected.  East-facing beaches have the greatest risk for flooding. Some shore roads may need to be closed briefly.

 

Strong Winds

Wind gusts of 40-50 mph are expected in the Boston metro area and along the RI coast eastward to the Cape Cod Canal. Wind gusts of 50-55 mph, just shy of Warning criteria, are predicted for the southeast MA coast, including Plymouth County, Cape Cod, and Martha's Vineyard/Nantucket. The strongest winds will occur between2 PM and 6 PM. Strong winds may result in downed tree limbs and power lines, and isolated power outages.

 

Heavy Rain and Flooding

Heavy rainfall will continue into Tuesday evening. Totals of 2 to over 3 inches are expected over most of the state, but there is a possibility that some locations may receive up to 4 inches of rain. The majority of the rainfall will occur in a 6-hour period from 1 PM to 7 PM today, and rainfall rates of up to an inch an hour are possible. The heavy rainfall will cause urban and poor drainage flooding, but river flooding is not expected to occur. Isolated thunderstorms are possible late this afternoon and early evening, mainly over Cape Cod and the Islands.

 

Over an inch of rain has fallen so far in southern Bristol County, including New Bedford, Fall River, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Westport, Acushnet, and Freetown. The NWS predicts that heavy rain will continue through late afternoon, resulting in a total of 3 to 4 inches of rain. This will result in significant flooding on streets, highways, and underpasses in the area.

  

MEMA Operations

MEMA activated the State Emergency Operations Center at 7 AM at Level 2 (Partial Activation).  Representatives from MassDOT, DCR, DPU, and MSP, in addition to MEMA staff, are present in the SEOC.  MEMA will continue to issue Situational Awareness Statements through the day today.

 

MEMA staff are in the process of reaching out to communities in eastern Massachusetts with histories of flooding issues.

 

Stay Informed

 

For additional information and updated forecasts, visit:

www.weather.gov/boston (National Weather Service Taunton)

www.weather.gov/albany (National Weather Service Albany)

www.spc.noaa.gov (Storm Prediction Center)

mema.mapsonline.net/public.html (MEMA’s Power Outage Website)

 

Utilize Massachusetts Alerts to receive emergency notifications and information from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service.  Massachusetts Alerts is powered by a free app that is available for Android and iPhones. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app (called Massachusetts Alerts) onto your smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.

 

 

 

 

Fwd: Holiday Travel News Release

POTENTIAL MID-WEEK STORM COULD IMPACT TRAVEL THROUGHOUT NORTHEAST; MEMA URGES PLANNING, SAFETY FOR HOLIDAY TRAVELERS

Those who have flexibility to complete their travel early, should do so 

FRAMINGHAM, MA – With the potential of poor weather conditions later in the week due to snow, wind and rain from the potential storm beginning on Wednesday, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has issued information to help people prepare to travel safely. If they are able, people should try to complete their holiday travel ahead of the difficult weather conditions on Wednesday and Thursday. Those who are on the roads once the poor weather arrives should use extreme care, slow down and budget extra time for travel. 

 

“Although the specifics of the forecast are uncertain, there is strong potential for snow, with accompanying treacherous road conditions and poor visibility,” said MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz. “If possible, move your travel plans up to Tuesday, or early Wednesday before conditions deteriorate.”

 

·       When driving, slow down. The first ½” of snow is sometimes the most slippery. Allow adequate braking distance from the car in front of you.  Remember bridges and overpasses can freeze up sooner than roadways

·       Yield to snowplows on the road, giving them plenty of room to safely do their job.  Be patient and follow at a safe distance.

·       Plan long trips carefully, listening to the radio or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest weather forecasts, traffic and road conditions.  Consider Public Transportation.

·       Keep your gas tank at least half-full.

·       Make sure your automobile is set for winter driving. Install good winter tires with adequate tread and pressure.  Check your antifreeze, battery, windshield wipers and wiper fluid.

·       Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal.  Keep all windows clear of snow and ice and keep your headlights and taillights clear, as well.

·       Let others know your timetable and primary and alternate routes. Allow extra time.

·       Travel during daylight hours, and if possible, take another person with you.

·       Be extra alert.  Snowdrifts can hide children or other vehicles.

 

MEMA is the state agency charged with ensuring the state is prepared to withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters, including natural hazards, accidents, deliberate attacks, and technological and infrastructure failures. MEMA's staff of professional planners, communications specialists and operations and support personnel is committed to an all hazards approach to emergency management. By building and sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state and local government agencies, and with the private sector - individuals, families, non-profits and businesses - MEMA ensures the Commonwealth's ability to rapidly recover from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating threats and hazards, enhancing preparedness, ensuring effective response, and strengthening our capacity to rebuild and recover.

 

For additional information about MEMA, go to www.mass.gov/mema. Also, follow MEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MassEMA; Facebook at www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA; and YouTube at www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA. Massachusetts Alerts: to receive emergency information on your smartphone, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from MEMA, download the Massachusetts Alerts free app. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for additional information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.

-30-

Fwd: MDPH Press Release: HOSPITALS ANNOUNCE COLLABORATIVE SYSTEM FOR EBOLA TREATMENT IN THE COMMONWEALTH

FYI: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) issued the following press release today.

 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, HOSPITALS ANNOUNCE COLLABORATIVE SYSTEM FOR EBOLA TREATMENT IN THE COMMONWEALTH

 

BOSTON – Friday, October 31, 2014 – The Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that while the risk of Ebola in Massachusetts remains extremely low, six hospitals in Massachusetts have formed a collaborative system and are  prepared to treat a limited number of cases, should the need arise.

 

The six hospitals – Baystate Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Medical Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Tufts Medical Center – would accept transfers from other hospitals in Massachusetts based on existing referral relationships and capacity.

 

“While there are no cases of Ebola in Massachusetts and the risk remains extremely low, this collaborative system shows that Massachusetts health care providers are well prepared,” said Public Health Commissioner Cheryl Bartlett, RN.  “I thank these six hospitals, their leadership, and staff for their dedication and commitment to ensuring that Massachusetts is ready. It’s important to note that other states in the region are also prepared for any suspect cases, and would not need to transfer cases to Massachusetts.”

 

“Massachusetts hospitals have been working diligently with appropriate staff to ensure that there are comprehensive internal procedures and policies in place in the event of a confirmed Ebola case within the Commonwealth,” said Tim Gens, executive vice president of the Massachusetts Hospital Association. “Hospitals also remain committed to ensuring nurses, physicians, and other frontline health care providers have the proper training, equipment and protocols to remain safe and provide the highest quality care for our patients. Hospitals are partnering with DPH to continually evaluate the specific needs and requirements to ensure an appropriate and coordinated system of care is available throughout the state.” 

 

Each of the state’s hospitals and their emergency departments are able to screen, identify, and isolate any suspect cases, and will coordinate with DPH on risk assessment and patient transfers as needed. Community hospitals will continue to identify and rule out low-risk individuals.

 

"Thanks to the guidance of Commissioner Bartlett and her team, Massachusetts hospitals have an emergency Ebola treatment plan that takes into account the resources of our providers while maintaining the highest level of safety for patients and staff,” said Steven Walsh,  Executive Director of the Massachusetts Council of Community Hospitals.  “DPH has been an invaluable partner in building a collaborative system to prepare all Massachusetts hospitals, while ensuring that any high risk or confirmed Ebola cases will be treated in the most appropriate hospital setting."

 

Ebola is not transmitted through air, water or food. It is only transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person who has travelled within the past 21 days to one of the West African counties of Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone. More information is available on www.mass.gov/Ebola.

 

MEMA 'Make a PLan' News Release

MEMA ENCOURAGES FAMILIES TO ‘MAKE A PLAN’

 

FRAMINGHAM, MA – As part of Emergency Preparedness Month, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) urges families to ‘Make a Plan’. This would include developing a Family Emergency Communications Plan that will ensure that family members have a way to contact one another before, during and after a disaster in case family members are separated, which is a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school, camp or at a friend’s house. This plan should also address how your family plans to reunite after the immediate crisis passes.

 

During and immediately after a disaster, it is often easier to access someone outside of the impacted area. Therefore, it is important to ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the Family Emergency Communications Plan contact person.  It is also important to remember that if telephone service is disrupted due to high volume, text messages and the internet can often be a viable alternative for communicating with family. Make sure everyone within your family knows the name, address and telephone number of the Family Emergency Communications Plan contact person.

 

As part of a Communication Plan, you should create a personal support network and a list of contacts that include friends, neighbors, caregivers, service/care providers, and others who might be able to assist during an emergency. It is important keep a list of contact phone numbers in a safe, accessible place, particularly if your cell phone is lost or dead.

 

A Family Emergency Communications Plan can help reassure everyone’s safety and minimize the stress associated with emergencies. To ensure you will be able to reunite after a disaster, it can be helpful to designate two meeting areas for family members – one within your community as your primary location, and one outside of your community as your alternate location. Sometimes an emergency could impact your neighborhood or small section of the community, so a second location outside of your community would be more accessible to all family members.

 

Lastly, do not forget your pets.  Remember, when you go, they go.  Make plans ahead of time to take your pet to stay at relatives, friends or a kennel outside of the affected area, and know the locations of pet-friendly hotels and motels.

 

MEMA is the state agency charged with ensuring the state is prepared to withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters, including natural hazards, accidents, deliberate attacks, and technological and infrastructure failures. MEMA's staff of professional planners, communications specialists and operations and support personnel is committed to an all hazards approach to emergency management. By building and sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state and local government agencies, and with the private sector - individuals, families, non-profits and businesses - MEMA ensures the Commonwealth's ability to rapidly recover from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating threats and hazards, enhancing preparedness, ensuring effective response, and strengthening our capacity to rebuild and recover. For additional information about MEMA, go to www.mass.gov/mema. Continue to follow MEMA updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MassEMA and Facebook at   www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA. Also, sign up for Massachusetts Alerts to receive emergency information on your smartphone, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from MEMA, download the Massachusetts Alerts free app. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.

 

Fwd: SITUATIONAL AWARENESS STATEMENT: Heavy Rain and Severe Weather Tuesday Night and Wednesday

 

DATE:              August 11, 2014

TIME:               4:30 PM

 

SUBJECT:         Potential for Heavy Rain and Severe Weather Late Tuesday and Wednesday

 

The National Weather Service in Taunton has just issued the following information concerning the potential for heavy rain and associated flooding (flash flooding and minor coastal flooding) and severe weather (strong winds and the possibility of a tornado) late Tuesday night and Wednesday.  MEMA will disseminate additional Situational Awareness Statements on Tuesday, with more detailed information about the forecast and hazards.

 

From the National Weather Service in Taunton:

 

An unusually strong weather system for August will produce a risk of flooding, severe weather, and minor coastal flooding for Tuesday night and Wednesday. Heavy rainfall and the potential for flash flooding remain the greatest concern, and a Flash Flood Watch has been issued for late Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon.  The primary threats are as follows:

 

Heavy Rain/Flooding Potential:

Flash Flood Watch for late Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon. The watch includes western and central Massachusetts

Bands of heavy rainfall with some embedded thunderstorms may cause localized urban/poor drainage flash flooding as well as a risk of flash flooding along a few small streams. In coastal areas, any urban flooding may be exacerbated during high tide, which may inhibit drainage.  High tides in association with the "super moon" will be astronomically high during Wednesday.  Widespread river flooding is not expected.  Main stem river flows are quite low going into this event.  Forecast calls for a widespread 1 to 3 inches of rainfall across southern New England Tuesday night into Wednesday with pockets of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Severe Weather:

Localized strong gusty winds are possible especially during the daylight hours Wednesday.

A brief tornado is also possible. This is a low probability event, but the expected weather pattern on Wednesday is a type that could produce a short track tornado.  Timing on any such occurrence during the day remains uncertain, and we're not confident at this time of any one area more at risk than another. 

Coastal Flooding:

The combination of high spring tides and fairly significant onshore winds may result in pockets of minor coastal flooding around the times of high tide on Wednesday.

Highest risk for any coastal flooding along the south coast will be around the time of the Wednesday mid morning high tide. 

Highest risk for any coastal flooding along the east coast will be around the time of the Wednesday afternoon high tide.

 

MEMA Operations

 

MEMA’s Emergency Operations Center is currently at Level I (Steady State/Monitoring). 

 

Stay Informed

 

For additional information and updated forecasts, see www.weather.gov/boston (National Weather Service Taunton) and www.weather.gov/albany (National Weather Service Albany).

Utilize Massachusetts Alerts to receive emergency notifications and information from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service.  Massachusetts Alerts is powered by a free app (called ping4alerts!) that is available for Android and IPhones. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app (called Ping4Alerts!) onto your smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.

 

 

 

Kurt Schwartz

Undersecretary, Homeland Security & Emergency Management

Director, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

 

 

Fwd: MEMA Riptide Safety News Release

SWIMMERS URGED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS DUE TO POSSIBLE RIPTIDES

 

FRAMINGHAM, MA – With Tropical Storm Bertha expected to pass within 300 miles of Massachusetts, officials are cautioning swimmers to stay aware of surf conditions over the next few days. Even at that distance, large swells are expected to produce dangerous rip tide conditions along south-facing and east-facing beaches, particularly on Outer Cape Cod, the South Coast, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Swimmers must take precautions given the potential high seas and strong currents expected to be associated with this event.

 

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing away from shore.  They occur most often at low spots or breaks in a sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as jetties and piers. 

 

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) offers these tips for those around the water this weekend.

 

• Always check surf conditions. Heed the advice of Lifeguards and Beach Patrol. Also, pay attention to flags and posted signs.
• Swimmers should never swim alone, preferably on beaches with lifeguards. If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.
• Remember to never swim against the current, but parallel to the beach to an area where the current is weaker and you can safely return to shore. If you cannot escape the current, float or tread water.  If you need help, call or wave for assistance.
• National Weather Service (NWS) offers information on their main rip current website: http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/index.shtml.
• NWS “tips” page: http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/tips.shtml.
• Never turn your back to the ocean, as you may be swept off coastal bluffs or tide pool areas and into the water by waves that can come without warning.
• Be careful standing on seawalls while watching the surf.

 

MEMA is the state agency charged with ensuring the state is prepared to withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters, including natural hazards, accidents, deliberate attacks, and technological and infrastructure failures. MEMA's staff of professional planners, communications specialists and operations and support personnel is committed to an all hazards approach to emergency management. By building and sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state and local government agencies, and with the private sector - individuals, families, non-profits and businesses - MEMA ensures the Commonwealth's ability to rapidly recover from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating threats and hazards, enhancing preparedness, ensuring effective response, and strengthening our capacity to rebuild and recover.

 

For additional information about MEMA, go to www.mass.gov/mema. Also, follow MEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MassEMA; Facebook at www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA; and YouTube at www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA. Massachusetts Alerts: to receive emergency information on your smartphone, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from MEMA, download the Massachusetts Alerts free app. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.

--

Lee Ann Delp, RPL
978-308-9166 Cell

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Fwd: SAS: Potential for Severe Weather this Afternoon

MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS STATEMENT (SAS): Potential for Severe Weather This Afternoon

JULY 28, 2014 2:30 PM

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issues a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the following counties until 8:00 p.m. this evening:

·         Berkshire
·         Franklin
·         Hampden
·         Hampshire
·         Worcester
·         Middlesex
·         Norfolk
·         Suffolk
·         Essex

In addition, NWS has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Berkshire County until 6:30 p.m.

Hazards associated with these storms are heavy rain, strong winds, localized flooding, hail and lightening.  Isolated tornados are also a possibility.

MEMA is at a Level 2 (Partial Activation) to support the Revere tornado, and is monitoring these storms as well. 

Fwd: Situational Awareness Statement: Update on Revere Tornado

MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY SITUATIONAL AWARENESS STATEMENT

JULY 28, 2014 12:00 PM

Tornado in Revere Area

·         The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado touched down in Revere just after 9:30AM this morning.  Damage assessment is still ongoing in order to determine the maximum tornado intensity and the length and width of the damage path.  This assessment is expected to be complete later this afternoon.

·         Revere has experienced a large degree of damage as a result of this storm.  NO major injuries or fatalities have been reported.

·         Revere declared a local state of emergency.  Revere officials are urging residents to remain off the roads and travelers to avoid the city until further notice.

·         Current operational priorities in Revere include shutting down power to downed lines, removing trees from roadways for emergency vehicle access, and assessing building damage across the city.

·         Local officials and social media are reporting overturned vehicles, downed trees and power lines, residential and commercial building damage (roof damage, partial structural damage), and localized flooding.

·         Multiple streets are closed due to flooding and downed trees and power lines.

·         Revere officials report that call volume to emergency services has begun to decrease.

·         A shelter is being set up in Revere at the Rumney Marsh Academy located at 140 American Legion Highway.

·         Revere has requested assistance for tree removal.

·         MA State Police are assisting Revere Police with road closures, flooding, downed trees, and structural damage throughout Revere.

·         A Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services team is responding with a canteen to support responders in Revere.

·         National Grid is on scene helping to clear trees and power lines.

·         Chelsea and Everett have some damage but do not require assistance at this time.

Current Weather

·         No watches or warnings are currently in effect for Massachusetts.  There is the possibility of scattered thunderstorms later this afternoon.

MEMA Operations

·         The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is operating at Level II (Partial Activation).  Liaisons from MassDOT, DCR, DFS, DPS, ARC, and MA State Police are en route to the SEOC.

·         MEMA liaisons have arrived in Revere and coordinating with local public safety officials.

·         MEMA will disseminate additional Situational Awareness Statements as needed.

Stay Informed

·         For additional information and updated forecasts, see www.weather.gov/boston (National Weather Service Taunton) or www.weather.gov/albany (National Weather Service Albany)

·         Utilize Massachusetts Alerts to receive emergency notifications and information from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service.  Massachusetts Alerts is powered by a free app (called ping4alerts!) that is available for Android and iPhones. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app (called Ping4Alerts!) onto your smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.

Online Resources:

For additional information and resources, visit:

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at www.mass.gov/mema (Hurricane preparedness tips and other preparedness information are available through the “Hurricane” link on MEMA’s homepage).

MEMA's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA

MEMA Twitter: @MassEMA

Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.fema.gov

National Hurricane Center website at www.nhc.noaa.gov

National Weather Service/Taunton at www.weather.gov/boston

National Weather Service/Albany, NY at www.weather.gov/albany

Mass211 at www.mass211.org

Fwd: Hurricane Preparedness Press Release

Please see the attached press release dated today in which MEMA reminds residents of the Commonwealth of the importance of being prepared for tropical storms and hurricanes.  Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and Hurricane Arthur in 2014 are powerful reminders that Massachusetts residents and visitors must prepare for the next hurricane or tropical storm.  Indeed, the Commonwealth has been hit hard in recent decades by hurricanes and tropical storms.  In 1991, Hurricane Bob, a Category 2 Hurricane with winds between 91 and 110 mph, caused almost $1 billion in damage.  More recently, in 2011, Tropical Storm Irene caused devastating flooding in Central and Western Massachusetts.

Earlier this month, Governor Patrick proclaimed the month of July as Hurricane Preparedness Month.  The Governor’s proclamation can be found at: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/mema/hurricane-preparedness-month-july-2014.pdf.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center has forecast a near-normal or below-normal 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Although one might take comfort in such a forecast, history has demonstrated that frequency of storms is not the most important factor, as it only takes one hurricane or tropical storm to severely impact our area.  

MEMA encourages everyone to 1) Know Your Evacuation Zone; 2) Know Your Risk; 3) Be Prepared; and 4) Stay Informed. 

Know Your Evacuation Zone

Massachusetts recently established hurricane evacuation zones for coastal communities based upon the extent of storm surge flooding (inundation) an area might experience during a hurricane or tropical storm. If a hurricane or tropical storm is forecast to impact Massachusetts, local and state officials may ask individuals living or working in hurricane evacuation zones – Zone A, Zone B and/or Zone C – to evacuate for their safety. To find out if you live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone, use the interactive Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder at http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/hurricane-evacuation-zones.html.

Know Your Risk

Understand the hazards that are associated with hurricanes, and what risks they bring. Hurricanes and tropical storms can bring Storm Surge and Storm Tide to coastal areas, and high winds and heavy rainfall anywhere in the Commonwealth. These hazards can cause property damage, widespread loss of power, and catastrophic flooding both inland and along the coast.

Be Prepared

There are important steps everyone should take to prepare themselves and their family for the next hurricane or tropical storm.  Being prepared reduces the risk of property damage, injury or death. 

·         Be prepared to Evacuate or Shelter in Place;

·         Ensure your family is prepared by building an Emergency Kit and developing a Communication Plan;

·         Prepare your home and property for a hurricane. 

 

Stay Informed

Stay informed throughout Hurricane Season: know how to receive warnings and alerts, and critical information before and during a storm.

·         The Emergency Alert System (EAS) via radio and television.

·         Local “Reverse 9-1-1” type notification systems. These systems may require opt-in/registration in advance, so check with your local public safety officials about which systems are used in your community and how to register.

·         Wireless Emergency Alerts.

·         MEMA’s free Massachusetts Alerts app that delivers critical information to your smartphone.

·         All Hazards National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio.

·         U.S. Coast Guard Marine Broadcast

·         Traditional media.

·         MEMA’s Twitter or Facebook accounts or social media accounts of a public safety agency in your community.

·         A message on Teletypewriters (TTY).

 

Other sources of important information:

·         National Hurricane Center - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov

·         National Weather Service (Taunton) - http://www.weather.gov/box/

·         National Weather Service (Albany) - http://www.weather.gov/aly/

·         Federal Emergency Management Agency - http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

 

MEMA is the state agency charged with ensuring the state is prepared to withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters, including natural hazards, accidents, deliberate attacks, and technological and infrastructure failures. MEMA's staff of professional planners, communications specialists and operations and support personnel is committed to an all hazards approach to emergency management. By building and sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state and local government agencies, and with the private sector - individuals, families, non-profits and businesses - MEMA ensures the Commonwealth's ability to rapidly recover from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating threats and hazards, enhancing preparedness, ensuring effective response, and strengthening our capacity to rebuild and recover. For additional information about MEMA and Hurricane Preparedness, go to www.mass.gov/mema. Continue to follow MEMA updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MassEMA; Facebook at www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA; and YouTube at www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA.

 

Massachusetts Alerts: to receive emergency information on your smartphone, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from MEMA, download the Massachusetts Alerts free app. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app (called Ping4Alerts!) onto your smartphone, visit:

www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.