Greenwich Boaters Batten Down the Hatches

GREENWICH, Conn.—With Hurricane Irene threatening to flood coastal towns like Greenwich this weekend, boaters are preparing for the worst.  “Tomorrow is going to be the busiest day. By high tide tomorrow morning everyone will be coming out to take their boats inland,” said Hank Walsh Thursday afternoon at Grass Island. “By Sunday it will be too late.”

Town of Greenwich officials said Thursday Hurricane Irene is “likely to be a major storm event,” and the Western Greenwich Civic Center will open as a shelter at 10 a.m., Saturday.

Latest forecast predicts Irene could make landfall in the area as a Category 1 hurricane around 5 p.m. on Sunday. A Category 1 hurricane may include sustained winds of 90 miles per hour with gusts up to 110 miles per hour.

In a coastal town like Greenwich, predicted rainfall of 10 to 15 inches means a high possibility of flooding.  Even the marine section officers are prepping boats to be taken inland before the storm hits the area late Sunday.

“The worst thing you could do would be to go out in a storm,” said Officer Dave Stewart of the marine section of the Greenwich Police Department. “We would only go out for a personal rescue, but sometimes it’s so severe that we can’t get out there.”

Stewart advised boaters to double and triple line their lines if they can’t find a place to store the boat on land, adding any questions regarding hauling boats should be directed to the Grass Island Dockmaster’s office at 203-618-9695. 

How are you preparing for the storm? Comment below or email ahelhoski@thedailygreenwich.com

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