Westport’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated.
Uh-oh.
An announcement on WWPT-FM 90.3 — the town’s emergency broadcaster, which will be all-storm, all-the-time throughout the weekend — says to expect only moderate snowfall: 4 to 6 inches.
That’s the good news.
The bad news: With 2 full-moon high tides, and winds gusting up to 55 miles an hour, there will be flooding on par with the 1992 nor’easter that surged through downtown. Tides are expected to be 1 foot lower than Hurricane Irene in 2011.
The high tides are expected tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m., then more significantly tomorrow night at 11. Sustained winds of 25 to 30 mph from the northeast — with those much higher gusts — will push the water very high.
Town officials urge residents to move cars now to higher ground. Saugatuck Shores residents can park at railroad station Lot 8 (by I-95 Exit 17). Compo and Old Mill residents can park at Longshore.
Officials warn all residents to secure loose objects on decks, porches and patios.
The forecast calls for snow to begin falling tomorrow morning. The storm will continue for 24 to 36 hours.
Stay safe and warm, Westport. And stay tuned to 90.3, and “06880.”
PS: Send photos!
PPS: If there’s a fire hydrant near you, don’t forget to clear snow from around it.
Hurricane Irene flooded downtown Westport, in August 2011.