Good Afternoon. This is Chief Storti for Great Barrington’s Emergency Management Team.
We are preparing for Hurricane Henri. The primary threats are heavy rain and high winds tomorrow morning through tomorrow night which may lead to flooding, downed trees, road closures, and power outages. Our Emergency Management team is continuing to monitor the evolving situation and we have been working with our DPW identifying historic problematic areas. The police and fire departments have increased staffing to handle the expected call volume. We are in communication with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in the event we require additional resources.
As the storm progresses, we will also be providing information on social media specific to high winds, flooding, power outages, road closures, and other hazards as the occur. We recommend that everyone test their generators, sump pumps, and battery powered lighting and secure outdoor items such as patio furniture. Please monitor our Facebook and webpage for updates https://greatbarringtonpolice.com/ (news blog) or https://www.facebook.com/GBPDMA/
Thank you,
Chief Storti/ Chief Burger
Please share this information as appropriate. It summarizes information obtained from the National Weather Service Forecast Office (NWS) in Albany, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency as well as local EMS and Public Safety partners. Updates will be circulated as necessary. Any questions should be directed to the Great Barrington Police Department at 413-528-0306
Shortly after 11 am today, Henri was upgraded to a hurricane.
National Weather Service-Albany (as of 10 am today):
- We are currently under a flood watch through Monday morning
- Heavy rain is expected to impact our region from 8am Sunday 8/22 through 8pm Monday 8/23 with a forecast of 4-6″
- Strong Winds of 30-40 mph with gusts to 45 predicted 8am Sunday 8/22 through 8pm Monday 8/23
- There is a greater than 50% chance we will experience tropical storm-force winds defined as sustained winds of 39 mph – 73 mph.
- Rivers
- The Housatonic River from South County to Connecticut is reported to be near flood stage.
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- To see the latest river forecast maps – click here https://water.weather.gov/ahps/region_forecast.php?state=ma
- Timing Map
- Communications:
- Conference call briefings with MEMA and the National Weather Service will be monitored.
- MEMA is issuing twice daily situational awareness statements which will be monitored.
- Extra 2-way radios have been charged.
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- Our back up radio is working properly
- Access to MEMA WebEOC has been tested today.
- Additional updates will be sent if the conditions worsen or if an incident causes us to activate the EOP.
- Resources and Assets:
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- Supplies: There have been no reported shortages.
- DPW is notified and aware of any potential needs.
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- Emergency vehicles are fueled and equipped for emergency needs
- We have the emergency number to reach a contractor if tree removal is necessary.
- Safety and Security tips:
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- Storm drains should be cleared
- Roof drains should be cleared
- The picnic tables umbrellas should be brought inside, along with any items that can easily be blown away.
- Fill up vehicles and generators with gas/fuel
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- For additional information on preparedness activities visit: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/covid-19/prepare-for-hurricane.html
- Utilities:
- The generator is ready with full fuel tanks.
MEMA – SEOC Activation Level and Statewide Activities:
- The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC Framingham) and Regional EOC (Agawam) is currently operating at Level 2 (Partial Activation).
- The SEOC will activate to a Level 3 (Full Activation) at 7:00 AM on Sunday 8/22
- They are working remotely with the emergency support function partners
- They are working with media partners to get storm safety messaging to residents
Other resources from MEMA:
Preparedness and Safety Information |
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Stay Informed |
For additional information and updated forecasts, www.weather.gov/albany (National Weather Service Albany)
Utilize MEMA’s real-time power outage viewer to stay informed about current power outages in your community and region, and across the state, including information from utility companies about restoration times: http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html
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Online Resources |
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency www.mass.gov/mema MEMA’s Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA MEMA Twitter @MassEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency www.fema.gov National Weather Service Boston/ Norton, MA www.weather.gov/boston National Weather Service/Albany, NY www.weather.gov/albany National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center www.spc.noaa.gov National Hurricane Center www.nhc.noaa.gov Mass211 www.mass211.org |