Update 9/20 6:30 am
Jose is now officially a tropical storm, according to the latest advisory from the National Weather Service.
“Jose is weakening as it moves over cooler waters, with main impacts expected across Cape Cod and the Islands,” the advisory states. The storm is now located about 200 miles south of Nantucket.
While tropical storm warnings have been lifted for parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, they remain in effect for Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Cape Cod, according to the National Weather Service.
Rain, steady at times, fell throughout the day Tuesday and as the day has progressed winds have picked up.
Winds of 45 to 65 mph are possible, which could result in downed trees and power lines.
On Tuesday just before noon, the Dukes County Emergency Management issued an alert reporting that a direct hit from Hurricane Jose is increasingly unlikely, but its track to the east of Nantucket will bring winds and rain consistent with a nor’easter.
The bulk of the impacts from this storm are expected on Wednesday, including high surf and rip currents. Minor to moderate coastal flooding, and significant beach erosion, are also expected on south and east facing beaching, according to the county update.
Jose could dump as much as 3 to 5 inches of rain over southeastern Massachusetts, including the Vineyard.
Any shift to the west could result in more significant impacts, while a shift to the east would lessen the storm’s severity.
Just before 1 p.m. Monday, the U.S. Coast Guard First District issued an alert to mariners urging them to secure boats and stay off the water.
“We understand the sea is a livelihood for many people, but this is one of those few times when we urge everyone, commercial and recreational boaters, to stay off the water,” said Capt. Richard Schultz, commander of Sector Southeastern New England.
Meanwhile, Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod crews are flying storm tracks and using marine radios to warn offshore boaters of the weather threat.
Those living near the coast have been urged to secure their small craft and paddle craft due to the expected high seas and storm surge. If drifting and unmanned, they could set off unnecessary searches, the Guard states.
On Monday afternoon, Vineyarders made preparations for the incoming storm by readying their boats, houses, and other property. Boat owner Elizabeth McBride secured her boat, paddle board and kayaks by taking them out of the Vineyard Haven Lagoon.
Ms. McBride said she lost a boat during super storm Sandy and didn’t want to take any risks with her new Boston Whaler New Day. “It’s better to be safe than sorry,” she said. “We won’t be making the same mistake this time.”
Chris Stanley and Kristina Eramo were cutting flowers and helping their friend batten down the hatches on her waterfront property in East Chop on Monday. Homeowners brought in patio furniture, replaced screens with storm windows, and took down their docks in preparation for rain and high winds.
As daylight faded on Tuesday, kite surfers enjoyed the early gusts of Jose on Sengekontacket Pond.
Powerful surf on South Beach threatened dunes along the coastline.
Earlier in the day Monday, the first cancelation shoe dropped in the ongoing watch of Hurricane Jose. The Island Queen has canceled its daily trips between Falmouth and Oak Bluffs from Tuesday through Thursday, according to its website. The Island Queen will make a decision on Friday’s trips on a “trip-by-trip basis,” the site states.
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Jose will likely weaken to a tropical storm before nearing southern New England, but will still bring a variety of hazards.
Tropical storm-strength winds (with gusts between 45 and 65 mph) may impact southeast Massachusetts, including the Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cape Cod, sometime Tuesday afternoon, and result in scattered power outages. Other potential hazards include coastal erosion. Seas will likely build to more than 20 feet and result in a dangerous marine environment.
Winds may be strong enough to down some trees, large branches, and power lines across Cape Cod and the Islands, the alert states. Areas of 1- to 3-foot inundation are possible with this storm. With astronomical high tides Tuesday night, a storm surge of around 2 feet may occur. Waves of 15 feet or over are possible along the coast, with rip currents. Flooding rain of 3 to 5 inches is also possible.
Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected from the storm over the next several days.
Steamship authority issues alert, too
On Wednesday, the Steamship Authority has cancelled its trips between Nantucket and Hyannis and has at least cancelled a 6:30 am trip between Vineyard Haven and Woods Hole, according to its website. The advisory also warns trips could be cancelled into Thursday and possibly Friday. To make or modify a reservation, please call 508-477-8600, go online at steamshipauthority.com, or visit one of the terminals.
On Tuesday, the Steamship Authority began diverting all of its Oak Bluffs trips to Vineyard Haven and had some mechanical issues with the Island Home.
For additional information on the storm please refer to the National Hurricane Center:
Current conditions may be viewed at steamshipauthority.com/traveling_today/status.
Ridiculous– I head Rush Limbaugh talking about how all this hurricane stuff was just a liberal hoax to sell bottled water just before he evacuated his place in Florida . I was a bit surprised that only liberals have bottled water companies, but.. it must be true because rush is always right– he says so ! So– for those of you who don’t believe in science, and think this is all a hoax… please, take your boat out on Wednesday for a nice late summer fishing trip — well south of the vineyard.. Show your support for the climate deniers, and also, if you happen to get into any unforeseen trouble out there, be strong and self reliant, and don’t call any ineffective wasteful government agencies to give you a handout. After all, you are not “entitled” .
I’d be willing to rescue but only at premium rates.
As for protecting or restoring real estate, that will take unsightly landscaping and require a cautious review by the MVC.
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