Update: The nor'easter March storm soaked New Hampshire's seacoast towns, causing serious flooding in Hampton Beach and forcing the closure of several roads in Hampton to Rye along Ocean Boulevard.
Flooding was its worst with the mid-day high tide. Several roads that were blocked or closed were open Friday afternoon, while public safety officials are keeping on eye on the next high tide - close to midnight.
The coastal flood warning is in effect until 2 p.m. Saturday. A high wind warning is in effect until midnight.
A wind advisory is now in effect for parts of Hillsborough and Rockingham county.
In Rye, Police Chief kevin Walsh announced late Friday morning that the town closed part of Ocean Boulevard in town. He urged people to steer clear of those roads, including spectators on foot.
Police erected barricades at Ocean Boulevard at Washington Road and Ocean Boulevard at Locke Road and Harbor Road. Residents on Harbor Road, near the ocean, are being detoured through Rye Harbor Marina’s parking lot to avoid the high water.
Storm surge cast rocks, debris, and seaweed over sea walls. High wind gusts contributed to sea splash-over, and limited visibility for any motorists along the roads that remain open. “If people go near the water or go into the water, you will be putting yourself and rescuers at risk,” Walsh said in a statement.
Police in Hampton blocked off access to several low-lying areas that were experiencing heavy flooding. Those areas included the eastern end of Route 101 and part of Ashworth Avenue, the stretch from the police station that runs behind the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom.
(An earlier story follows here...)
Utilities and disaster relief groups are preparing for a nor'easter to arrive Friday in New Hampshire, causing coastal flooding and possible power outages.
The National Weather Service reports that wind gusts up to 60 mph could exacerbate flooding conditions along the seacoast, particularly in greater Hampton.
The tide is high at about 11:20 a.m. Friday, according to the chart at the Hampton-Seabrook harbor.
Snow, sleet and rain is expected for the rest of the Granite State. There is a winter storm warning in effect for parts of Cheshire and Hillsborough counties. One forecast projected some areas in southwestern New Hampshire could get 6- to 8- inches of snow.
Coastal flooding is expected from a nor'easter that will impact the State tonight into Sat. Stay informed & follow the instructions of emergency officials. Know what to do before, during, and after floods and sign up for #NHAlerts: https://t.co/ZWTnRmlTJe #NHwx #ReadyNH pic.twitter.com/4u9igoy77q
— NH HSEM (@NH_HSEM) March 1, 2018
Flood Safety Tips from Red Cross
- Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice
- When a flash flood warning is issued in your area, head to higher ground and stay there.
- Stay away from floodwaters - 6 inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off your feet.
- If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn round and go another way. Keep children out of water.
ReadyNH.gov also has an emergency kit for people to review and to prepare for all-hazards, including
