Along with an expected 12 and 18 inches snow, icy conditions, and frigid temperatures, winter storm Grayson is causing devastating flooding along the New England coast.
On Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a coastal flood advisory along parts of Cape Cod Bay until Friday at 4 a.m. EST.
“There will be widespread flooding of vulnerable shore roads and basements,” according to the National Weather Service. “A few low spots could be inundated up to six feet. Waves on top of the high water levels will likely damage vulnerable decks, stairs, and docks near the water line. Vulnerable homes and businesses along the water may sustain damage.”
Flooding was reported in multiple towns and cities along the Massachusetts coast, including Scituate, Plum Island, Quincy, Plymouth, Chatham, and Duxbury. In Boston, the high tide record of 15.1 feet, which was set during the blizzard of 1978, was tied on Thursday at 12:40 p.m. In the afternoon, according to NBC 4 Washington.
Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh declared a snow emergency and parking ban, and encouraged residents to stay off the road. Boston schools will be closed on Friday, Jan. 5.
SNOW ON THE WAY: A Snow Emergency & Parking Ban will go into effect for #Boston at 7 a.m. Thursday. For information on parking & other winter resources, go to https://t.co/9Z1r87htyMpic.twitter.com/Nx7gDUJWtP
— City of Boston (@CityOfBoston) January 3, 2018
Make sure you’re prepared for coastal #floods caused by winter storms and #snow. Learn what to do before, during, and after a flood: https://t.co/MZfVU11MWx#MAsnow#weather#MAwx#ReadyMApic.twitter.com/U4KNd32lyK
— Mass.gov (@MassGov) January 4, 2018
Harrowing images and videos on social media show icy salt water flooding streets and pouring into the Aquarium subway station in Boston.
Aquarium Station earlier today. Water gushing in from street side. Pic.twitter.com/dwOArHmB6H
— MBTA Transit Police (@MBTATransitPD) January 4, 2018
Police in Quincy Mass. Said they had to rescue stranded motorists as did Boston firefighters:
#1 E. Squantum Street by Victory Rd. #2Commander Shea Blvd.
We've rescued ~20 people from cars due to flood waters #dontdrownturnaroundpic.twitter.com/Mw14UtQKZ0
— Quincy, MA Police Dept (@quincymapolice) January 4, 2018
Neponset Circle firefighters come to the rescue of an adult male trapped by rising water pic.twitter.com/ai5DPO7zPg
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) January 4, 2018
Here’s video of severe flooding in Scituate, Mass.:
Flooding in Scituate, MA! (Via Jill Pelo) pic.twitter.com/T9GTzhokls
— AndreaWBZ (@AndreaWBZ) January 4, 2018
@ShiriSpear Gloucester high school pic.twitter.com/xxjtDqXRjU
— Brian Stanley (@bizz8181) January 4, 2018
Flooding was also reported in Kennebunkport, Maine during high tide.
Flooding in Kennebunkport during high tide. #MEwx#STORMCENTERmainepic.twitter.com/oLUElySwVo
— Ryan Breton (@RyanBretonWX) January 4, 2018
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) declared a state of emergency for the counties of Cape May, Atlantic, Ocean, and Monmouth. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) declared a state of emergency for portions of downstate New York.
A few shots from around Sea Isle. We are experiencing white out conditions accompanied with minor/moderate flooding. Please do not drive until conditions improve. Pic.twitter.com/7MtjIFXFCm
— Sea Isle City Police (@SeaIslePD) January 4, 2018