Weather forecasters predict another powerful ocean storm will sweep up the East Coast, bringing coastal flooding, strong winds, and significant erosion to Martha’s Vineyard, as well as the rest of coastal Massachusetts, beginning Wednesday night.
The National Weather Service has posted a coastal flood warning and a wind advisory, and cautioned that severe beach erosion is likely.
“Moderate coastal flooding is likely along much of the Massachusetts East Coast during the Thursday morning high tide. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is likely for the Thursday evening high tide, and moderate to major coast flooding is anticipated for the Friday morning high tide,” the weather service wrote in the warning issued Wednesday morning. Forecasters say Martha’s Vineyard residents should expect a storm surge 2.5 to 3 feet higher than normal tides during the storm.
The forecast predicts winds at about 30 miles per hour beginning Wednesday evening, with gusts to 48 miles per hour. Winds will increase to about 35 miles per hour Thursday, with gusts to 50 miles per hour, according to the weather service, and ease slightly Thursday evening and Friday morning.
Offshore waves of 25-30 feet are expected during the storm.
Rain, snow, and fog are forecast throughout the period, though snow accumulations on Martha’s Vineyard are predicted at zero to three inches.
Information on Steamship Authority ferries is available online, or by calling (508) 477-8600.
Information on the Chappaquiddick ferry is available on line, or by calling the recorded hotline at 508-627-6965.
The latest National Weather Service detailed weather forecast and marine forecast for Martha’s Vineyard are available on its website.
