Salem Flood Concerns Rise Ahead Of Windy Late-Week Rain Storm

SALEM, MA — Areas of Salem that sustained severe flooding during the January storms are being cautioned to be prepared for a late-week storm forecast to bring heavy rains and strong southeasterly winds that coincide with astronomically high tides.

The setup, which mirrors that of the Jan. 13 storm that breached a sea wall and caused extensive damage in the Salem Willows area, could cause problems from the overnight high tide Wednesday night through the high tide at 3 p.m. on Friday.

Up to 2 inches of rain is expected from Wednesday night through Friday, with the high tides of biggest concern being the 12:45 a.m. early Thursday morning high tide, the 2:22 a.m. Friday high tide and 3 p.m. Friday afternoon tide.

"Avoid roadways prone to flooding, clear catch basins near your location," Salem police said on Tuesday. "This week, avoid parking vehicles on streets prone to flooding, including Columbus Avenue, Bay View Avenue, and lower-lying streets throughout the Willows area, Bridge Street from North Street to Boston Street, Commercial Street, and any other areas that have experienced flooding during recent high tide and storm events.

"Avoid driving on these roads, Harmony Grove Road, or on any roads when they are flooded."

Police said barricades will be set up on flooded roads for the protection of residents and travelers and urged anyone in the area not to try to drive around them.

"Even low levels of flood water on a roadway can severely damage or immobilize a vehicle," police said.

Residents in neighborhoods that experience flooding are advised not to use the "See Click Fix" feature on the city website, but instead for a more immediate response call 9-1-1 for a downed power line or emergency, 1-800-465-1212 for a power outage, 978-744-1212 to report roadway flooding and 978-744-1234 for a downed tree or limb.

(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.)