On the 30th anniversary of Hurricane Bob, Martha’s Vineyard is under hurricane watch once again, as tropical storm Henri moves north toward the southern New England coast.
The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane watch and storm surge watch for the Vineyard, with the latest forecasts showing wind between 40 and 50 miles per hour, and gusts as high as 65 miles per hour. The effects opf the styorm are expected to be felt by late Saturday and early Sunday. Uncertainty remains about the storm’s northern track, with forecasters using more than one model.
The weather service is advising Islanders to plan for the possible impacts of a potential category 1 or 2 hurricane, including considerable wind damage if the storm tracks east of the Island, and significant rain if it tracks west.
There is the potential for winds in the 70 to 110 mile-pe- hour range, rain between one and three inches and a storm surge between three to five, depending upon where it makes landfall, according to the NWS.
Preparations were under way around the Island late Thursday and early Friday, with harbor masters and shipyard workers hauling boats in crowded harbors.
The Steamship Authority has issued a hurricane advisory, saying the storm will likely affect service to the Cape and Islands on Sunday and Monday.
“It is possible trips will be canceled on one or both of those days and possibly for the entire period. If you are traveling with us during that time, please plan accordingly,” a news release said.
Currently a tropical storm swirling about 200 miles off the coast of northern Florida, Henri is expected to take a sharp right turn toward the northeastern seaboard, gathering strength before hitting Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts early Sunday morning.
The Coast Guard has issued an advisory setting port conditions at readiness and requesting pleasure craft to stay off the water.
Eversource said it was ramping up staffing to prepare for downed power lines and service calls in the region.
As of Friday morning the storm was 800 miles south of Nantucket.
