WORCESTER – The National Weather Service [NWS] forecast predicts that Tropical Storm Henri will track into southern New England on Sunday, August 22, and into Monday, August 23.
NWS says the storm will strengthen while at sea by Sunday morning and make landfall Sunday evening near Newport, Rhode Island. Henri may make landfall as a tropical storm or a hurricane, but weaken rapidly thereafter.
The major potential hazards include damaging winds, flooding rain and storm surge flooding before it exits the region slowly on Monday.
At around 11:30 AM on Friday, August 20, the storm was about 770 miles south-southeast of Nantucket, with a storm intensity of 65 miles-per-hour.
The City of Worcester reports that its Department of Public Works and Parks [DPW] and Worcester Emergency Management began preparation for the storm to arrive: barricades are being put in known low-lying areas to facilitate street closures as needed; catch basins, culverts and brooks are being cleared to facilitate water runoff; and forestry and other equipment are being readied for emergency response.
Communications between emergency dispatch and DPW are being increased to facilitate rapid response to stranded motor vehicles and downed trees and debris.
If conditions follow the current forecast, the City may suspend trash and recycling collection, some facility operations, yard waste and recycling centers, and other services for Monday. The city will make announcements as appropriate.
Worcester residents should report downed trees and debris to (508) 799-8606 or (508) 929-1300. Downed power lines and outages should be reported to National Grid at (800) 322-3223. In an emergency, residents are advised to call 911.
