The Martha's Vineyard Times

Severe erosion, high winds, forecast into the evening

By Steve Mryick
March 8, 2013

Photo by Steve Myrick

Beach Road, near Packer Company, at about 8:15 am Friday morning. [More Photos]

Conditions at noon Friday, March 8, 2013

A wintry, Friday morning mix of snow, wind, and cold weather greeted Islanders weary of a relentless ocean storm, with unusually high tides and severe coastal erosion a concern.

The Steamship Authority cancelled early ferries between Martha's Vineyard and Woods Hole, but resumed operation at 9:15 am this morning, and boats are running on schedule

The Chappaquiddick ferry resumed operation at 11 am this morning.

Waters receded in most low lying roadways by 11 am, but forecasters expect minor to moderate flooding with the evening high tide.

A coastal flood warning remains in effect until 9 pm tonight.

"This morning's high tide is expected to have a greater impact than the high tide Thursday morning, and probably a comparable to, or possibly a little worse impact, than the February 9 storm tide," the weather service wrote in its coastal flood warning.

The National Weather Service posted a high wind warning, which remains in effect until 10 pm this evening, predicting winds 26 to 31 miles per hour from the northeast, with gusts as high as 55 miles per hour through the day.

Snow will change to rain in the afternoon. Little accumulation of snow is expected.

Tonight the forecast predicts a north wind 23 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 47 mph.

Below are some useful links and phone numbers for current conditions:

Steamship Authority ferries (508) 477-8600.

Chappaquiddick ferry 508-627-6965.

National Weather Service detailed forecast

National Weather Service marine forecast

Martha's Vineyard Times tidal information.