Gov. Healey declares state of emergency in Mass., activates National Guard as Hurricane Lee approaches

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said Friday that she has declared a state of emergency and is activating the National Guard ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Lee.

The governor held a 12 p.m. press conference at the State House with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and other state officials to discuss what is being done to prepare.

"As you know, Hurricane Lee is moving northward up the Atlantic," Healey said. "We are not expected to receive a direct hit."

But she said as the state has seen in recent weeks, "severe weather is not to be taken lightly."

The emergency declaration, Healey said, puts the state in the best possible position to respond in the ways they need, positioning equipment and personnel. She said she has also sent a formal request to the federal government seeking a disaster declaration to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide direct assistance.

She also said she is activating up to 50 National Guard members to assist if needed using specialized high-water vehicles.

"Our hope is they are not needed. But the important news is they will be in place," Healey said.

Massachusetts is currently under a tropical storm warning, and the storm is expected to arrive in southern New England on Friday afternoon.

Hurricane Lee is mostly expected to impact coastal areas of Massachusetts, with strong winds causing power outages and flooding and high surf anticipated as well. And that's where Healey said the state will be directing most of its resources this weekend.

Cape Cod and the Islands have the greatest risk of seeing tropical storm force winds. The strongest winds will impact the Cape and Islands, with 50-60 mph gusts possible. Gusty winds are expected to knock down trees and limbs, which could cause power outages. The most significant coastal flooding is expected to impact the bay side of Cape Cod and Nantucket around the early morning high tide Saturday. The Cape and Islands may see 1-3 inchesof rain Friday night into Saturday. 

"Our focus right now is the coast," Healey said. That really is where we think we're going to see the real impact, and that is of greatest concern."

"We feel we're prepared across the Commonwealth. We certainly hope for the best but always have to prepare for the worst."

Here's a look at some other steps being taken, according to the state:

Preparation and response capabilities

In anticipation of the storm, local, county, and state officials have participated in daily coordination calls with the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center. MEMA also initiated standard pre-impact planning with emergency support function partners that offer capabilities including search and rescue, mass care, debris management, communications, and damage assessment in the event they are needed. 

On Saturday morning at 7 a.m., the State Emergency Operations Center in Framingham, along with MEMA East Regional Emergency Operations Centers in Franklin and Tewksbury, will activate to provide a dedicated space for interagency coordination in response to requests for support from municipalities, state agencies, and organizations. 

Transportation

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is underscoring that the public should plan ahead if traveling during the severe weather. Although MassDOT does not anticipate any restrictions on passenger vehicles during this storm, drivers are reminded to take care and never drive through standing water. MassDOT is ready to respond to any impacts the storm may have on transportation infrastructure.  

Truck drivers should take special care if they must travel. if there are strong winds, upwards of 75 mph, MassDOT may restrict some truck travel for brief periods on specific bridge structures in the path of the storm should sustained winds and gusts create dangerous conditions.   

MassDOT Highway crews have been inspecting catch basins, drainage inlets and cross pipes and removing any obstructions from them over the last few days. Heavy equipment, pumps, and generators are fueled up and ready to be deployed if needed. Staff will be patrolling during the storm and emergency response crews are on standby. 

The Department of Conservation and Recreation is preparing for potential flooding on roadways or parkways within its jurisdiction and may close affected areas as needed. Like MassDOT, DCR has teams standing by to address any fallen trees that require attention.  

The MBTA is closely monitoring the weather forecast and will provide updates as needed. Passengers should plan accordingly and allow extra travel time if they are traveling during periods of inclement weather. Ferry service will be adjusted on Friday, September 15, cancelled on Saturday, September 16, and operate normally on Sunday, September 16. Riders are encouraged to sign up for and check T-Alerts for the latest service information. 

Massport advises Boston Logan passengers to reach out to their airlines on the status of their flight. Information related to flight status can be found here.    

Recreation

DCR has contacted all campers with reservations for this weekend and offered them the opportunity to cancel at no cost or to transfer their reservation to another campground that is outside of the forecasted storm area. 

As a reminder, waterfront services have ended for the season, including lifeguard services at all DCR-managed inland and coastal beaches across the state, and swimming is no longer permitted at these locations. DCR is encouraging the public to stay off of coastal beaches in areas that are in the forecasted path of the storm. 

Public services

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles will close several customer service centers in eastern Massachusetts on Saturday, and road test appointments are being postponed.  Customers may find additional information on mass.gov/RMV.