Winchester Keeping an Eye on the Storm

As Earl approaches Massachusetts, many residents are preparing for the potential torrential rain and wind that may come along with it.

As of Thursday afternoon, the storm is not expected to go to far inland. But that doesn't mean the Winchester Boat Club isn't taking necessary precautions. The club is actively monitoring the storm to see if its projected path moves closer towards town.

The club, who's boats are stationed in the waters of the Upper Mystic Lake, are lashing and chaining down all their boats, but as of now, are leaving them on the water.

"The privately owned boats are still there," said John Peachey of the Boat Club. "They're going to stay in the water unless the owners decided to take them out. Based on the track of the storm there's no real danger for leaving them in the water, just as long as they're moored down."

Peachey said that as long as it's just a little wind, the boats should be able to take on a couple of inches of water no problem. All 13 of the club's boats are lashed down and secured.

"Right now we're not going to change what we're doing," Peachey said. "If it looks as though the storm is coming more over land then we'll change our tactics."

If the path of the storm does move more inland, then the club will send out an email informing the members of the situation. But right now the club is just keeping an eye on Earl and waiting to see where it goes.

In a press conference held via phone from MEMA Headquarters, Gov. Deval Patrick declared a state-wide state of emergency and said he is anticipating the President will designate the state a federal emergency area this evening. 

"Mother Nature is fickle," Gov. Deval Patrick said. "She changes her mind often."

Patrick, who told the state "not to panic," said communication between state, federal and local officials have been impeccable and as a whole, officials feel prepared for the storm.

"This is a serious storm to prepare for," he said.

Strong rip currents and high seas are expected throughout the weekend, MEMA officials said. The National Guard has been mobilized and Red Cross is in place on the Cape and Islands.

As of Thursday afternoon, forecasters said the center of the storm was expected to pass about 15 miles southeast of Nantucket Friday night or early Saturday morning. By the time it reaches Massachusetts, it is expected to be a category 2 storm.

Ways To Protect Yourself and Home In a Hurricane

Protect windows and doors -  If you have not already installed hurricane shutters, plywood can be used as a last minute alternative to help keep wind-driven rain from soaking the interior.

Prepare your yard - Remove all outdoor furniture, lawn items, planters and other materials that could be picked up by high winds. Trim trees and shrubbery and remove weak branches on plants and trees. 

Seal it - Use a high quality urethane-based caulk around outside wall openings such as vents, outdoor electrical outlets, garden hose bibs and locations where cables or pipes go through the wall to prevent water penetration.

Stock Up - Have flashlights and extra batteries ready should you loose power. Stock up on water and canned goods.

Courtesy MEMA