North Shore Braces For Hurricane Lee Impact Along Coastline

SALEM, MA — Cities and towns across the North Shore were making preparations for the effects of Hurricane Lee this weekend as high winds and storm surges were forecast despite the center of the storm being expected to stay more than a hundred miles offshore.

A Tropical Storm Warning was issued for the Massachusetts coast — including Cape Ann, the North Shore and Cape Cod — with winds up to 60 miles per hour, strong rip currents and the possibility of coastal flooding and erosion.

Storm conditions are expected to arrive in the region late Friday night and last into Saturday morning.

Residents who live in flood-prone areas of Salem were urged to anticipate road closures and clear storm drains with up to two inches or more of rain possible.

Salem is opening the tide gates for the South River and Forest River to help mitigate flooding in the South Salem area, and installing jersey barriers in the Juniper Point and Shore Avenue areas to provide seawall and storm surge protection.

Salem also has crews scheduled to respond to any flooding issues or tree damage impeding travel.

"Please take precautions and stay alert this weekend during the predicted storm," Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo said. "Be sure to check on any neighbors who may need assistance, and reach out to the city with any emergency needs."

The Public Stores, Derby House, and Derby Wharf at the Salem Maritime National Site will be closed on Saturday. Special events at the park have also been canceled.

Swampscott residents were urged to spend Friday bringing inside any loose objects around the outside of the house that may be picked up in strong winds and secure any recreational boats or equipment that is near or on the shoreline.

"There is a real likelihood of power outages during the storm," Swampscott officials said. "We recommend fully charging your cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices. Have fresh batteries on hand for flashlights."

Swampscott officials said Department of Public Works crews in that town are also on duty this weekend to respond to any storm-related emergencies.

Beverly Animal Control said pet owners should take additional precautions.

"During the storm, if your pet needs to go outside to use the bathroom please do so with them on a leash to ensure they are under control and kept clear of any hazards that may exist as a result of the storm," Beverly Animal Control said. "Once the storm passes please assess your property for damage, including but not limited to downed fences. Please check to ensure your yards are secure and clear of any hazards prior to allowing pets back outside."

The National Weather Service said the eye of Hurricane Lee was about 460 miles south-southeast of Nantucket as of Friday morning. Sustained winds were at 85 miles per hour.

Although the eye of the storm appears headed for landfall in the Nova Scotia area, the expanding rain and windshield will reach New England with the biggest impact felt along the coast and east of Route 128. Areas west of Route 495 that sustained much of the flood damage from Monday's torrential downpours should be minimally affected.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)