Massachusetts Coastline Braces for Nuisance Flooding as Weather Service Issues Statement

Alright, folks, it’s time for a little heads-up along the Massachusetts coastline. The National Weather Service has just put out a Coastal Flood Statement, and it’s going to be in effect for five of our counties, stretching all the way through Saturday afternoon. So, if you live or plan to travel anywhere near the shore, you’ll definitely want to pay attention.

Specifically, this statement covers Suffolk, Norfolk, Plymouth, Barnstable, and Nantucket counties. What does that mean for you? Well, it’s not a major storm we’re talking about, thankfully, but rather the potential for some good old-fashioned minor coastal flooding and a bit of splash-over. Think of it as those inconvenient moments when the ocean gets a little too friendly with our roads and parking lots, especially in those low-lying spots we all know so well.

We're looking at things like nuisance flooding impacting our most vulnerable coastal roadways and properties. Imagine water pooling where it shouldn't, maybe some spray coming over seawalls, making your commute or even just a walk by the beach a bit trickier than usual. It's the kind of flooding that can be a real pain, causing delays and forcing you to find alternative routes.

The main culprits here are typically astronomically high tides, sometimes exacerbated by strong onshore winds, which can really push that water inland. While the forecast isn't calling for anything extreme, even minor flooding can be dangerous if you’re not careful. That's why the experts are urging everyone to exercise a good deal of caution.

A friendly reminder, and it really can't be stressed enough: never, ever try to drive through floodwaters. It might look shallow, but appearances can be deceiving, and you just don't know what's underneath. Not only can you damage your vehicle, but it can also become a very dangerous situation for you and any passengers. The safest bet is always to turn around and find another way. Remember, it's just not worth the risk.

So, for residents and visitors in Suffolk, Norfolk, Plymouth, Barnstable, and Nantucket, keep an eye on those tide charts, stay informed with local news, and plan your travels accordingly over the next couple of days. Let's all stay safe out there!