Hurricane Lee: Mass Leaders Prepare For Storm's Impact, MBTA Alters Some Routes

With Hurricane Lee drawing closer to New England, Massachusetts leaders are bracing for the expected damaging wind gusts, heavy downpours, and storm surges, and they are urging residents to do the same.

The above map by the National Weather Service shows areas with a Tropical Storm Warning in red.
Photo Credit: *National Weather Service*

Ben Crnic

09/15/2023 1:20 p.m.

The storm, which was rated as a Category 1 hurricane as of Friday, Sept. 15, is expected to hit the state on Friday evening, Sept. 15, and have lasting effects until Saturday evening, according to the latest weather forecasts.

RELATED: Hurricane Lee Set To Batter Coastal Mass With Damaging Winds, Heavy Rain: Here's Timing

Many areas of coastal Massachusetts have issued tropical storm warnings as Lee moves toward the region.

Massachusetts officials such as Boston Mayor Michelle Wu have announced measures to mitigate the storm's impact.

Those include clearing debris from catch basins that could impede stormwater drainage and opening Boston Centers for Youth and Families as sites where residents can hunker down for shelter and support.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority announced the storm will affect some ferry services Friday. Those include:

All Lynn Ferry outbound and inbound trips are canceled.
All inbound and outbound East Boston Ferry trips will be canceled after the conclusion of the outbound 6:45 p.m. trip from Long Wharf to Lewis Mall Wharf.
All inbound and outbound Charlestown Ferry trips will be canceled after the conclusion of the outbound 6:30 p.m. trip from Long Wharf (south) to Charlestown Navy Yard.
All inbound and outbound Hingham/Hull Ferry trips will be canceled after the conclusion of the 8:25 p.m. trip from Long Wharf (north) to Hull and Hingham.
All Winthrop Ferry and Hingham-Rowes Wharf Ferry services will operate as normal.

On Saturday, all MBTA ferry services will be canceled before resuming on Sunday.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency also issued the following tips for residents preparing for the storm:

Create a family emergency plan and assemble emergency kits, including bottled water, non-perishable food, tools and supplies, medications, and first-aid kits.
Prepare for power outages by ensuring smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries, charging devices, and purchasing generators.
Make a record of personal property by taking photos and videos of belongings.
Secure outdoor items such as patio furniture, trash cans, and children's toys.
Cover windows with shutters or 5/8-inch exterior-grade or marine plywood.
Prepare for items by elevating items in basements, clearing catch basins, unplugging devices, and checking sump pumps.

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