(*This developing story will be updated.)
Gov. Maura Healey has declared a state of emergency and is activating the National Guard in preparation for Hurricane Lee, a category 1 storm that is expected to bring flooding and fierce winds in parts of southern New England over the weekend.
Up to 50 National Guard members will be utilizing specialized high-water vehicles — in response to requests from at least 10 towns — to navigate floodwaters.
“Our hope is that they are not needed, but the important news is that they will be in place,” Healey said.
The Democratic governor also has asked the federal government to issue a Pre-Disaster Emergency Declaration, which would make the commonwealth eligible for federal assistance for “response costs,” including equipment, supplies and evacuation assistance.
The state of emergency, “puts us in the best possible position to be able to respond in the ways that we need,” Healey said during a press conference at the State House on Friday afternoon.
Hurricane Lee is expected to hit parts of the southern New England coastline by late Friday, with peak storm surges coming on Saturday morning, forecasters said.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the entire Massachusetts coastline, including the Cape and Islands.
While Massachusetts isn’t projected to be directly hit by Lee, Cape Cod and the Islands will bear the brunt of the storm, facing wind speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, and the possibility of water levels rising by as much as four feet.
The greatest coastal flooding is expected to hit the bayside of Cape Cod and Nantucket near early morning high tide on Saturday. Residents should expect to see up to three inches of rain Friday night and into Saturday.
The “gusty” winds are expected to knock down knock down trees and limbs, which may lead to power outages, the governor said. She also warned residents to avoid fallen powerlines as they are a safety hazard.
“We’re grateful for the extensive efforts of public safety officials who are responding to emergencies to keep people safe,” Healey said. “All of us can do our part to help our friends and neighbors – and we encourage every Massachusetts resident to make sure they are prepared for this storm.”
