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City Urges Residents to Prepare in Advance of Severe Weather this Weekend

Potential for wind damage, power outages
Posted on: September 15, 2023 - 12:54pm
hurricane preparedness graphic

As coastal New England braces for Hurricane Lee to arrive this weekend, the City of Melrose urges residents to stay informed and be prepared in the event of any local severe weather impacts.

According to the National Weather Service, tropical storm conditions and coastal flooding west of Hurricane Lee are expected to begin in southern New England this afternoon, and spread northward along the coast of New England through Saturday likely leading to downed trees and potential power outages.

Currently, Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for the entire Massachusetts coastline. There is also a Coastal Flood Advisory for the eastern MA coast from Plymouth to the north shore, and High Surf Advisories for the entire MA & RI coastline. However, Hurricane Lee has a large wind field and wind impacts are expected well to the west of the storm's track.

Prepare for Power Outages: 
  • Check CO/smoke detector batteries and have back-up power for medical devices
  • Charge cell phones and other devices
  • Report any power outages at www.nationalgridus.com or call 1-800-465-1212. 
  • Use your mobile device to track outage information and storm-related safety tips through National Grid’s mobile site, accessible at www.ngrid.com/mobile.
  • Track outages and estimated restoration times online at www.nationalgridus.com/outagecentral
Downed Power Lines:
  • Contact National Grid at 1-800-465-1212 to report a downed power line.
  • DO NOT APPROACH! Never touch any downed lines, and always assume that a fallen line is a live power line.
Downed Trees/Limbs:
  • Call Melrose DPW 781-665-0142 during normal business hours (Mon-Fri 8:00 am - 3:30 pm). 
  • Call Melrose Police 781-665-1212 if after DPW hours
Monitor Media for Emergency Information
  • As always during severe weather, continue to monitor media channels for emergency notifications, and please check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, and support where you can.
A Note Fom Melrose DPW:

Saturday's Motor Oil/Gas/Antifreeze event will go ahead as scheduled at the City Yard from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. The City Yard will be open Saturday from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm.