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Storm Surge, Large Waves Prompt Coastal Flood Watch for Salem

The coming blizzard won't just bring snow — Saturday morning's high tide could potentially damage shoreline homes, the National Weather Service said.

 

The blizzard expected to begin Friday evening may crescendo into flood damage come Saturday morning.

The National Weather Service has declared a coastal flood watch for the entire Massachusetts coast line — including Salem.

You've probably heard about the coming storm that's expected to dump one to two feet of snow on much of the state. But early Thursday morning the Weather Service added the flood watch to the blizzard watch already in effect.

Forecasters say "numerous coastal roads" could become impassable Friday evening and during Saturday morning's high tide. In Salem Harbor, the Saturday morning high tide will come at 9:59. It could be accompanied by large waves and a storm surge of two-three feet, the Weather Service warns.

Salem has one of the best-protected shorelines in New England, a fact that explains the city's strong maritime heritage. Even so, things could get tricky Saturday morning, according to the Weather Service.

Major coastal flooding could occur around that Saturday morning high tide. If that does actually come to pass, the consequences could be dire — "Some vulnerable homes may be damaged or destroyed," the flood watch says. It also warns that evacuation of some neighborhoods might be called for.

Stay with Salem Patch as we monitor the storm.

Related Topics: Blizzard and Flooding

ranadavid2002

1:29 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013

This storm is making me a little nervous. Please stay safe everyone and don't go out if you don't have to!

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Diane H

6:24 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013

agreed and right back at you!

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