Mass. Coast Prepares for Joaquin

Gov. Charlie Baker says there's a lot of uncertainty surrounding the track of Hurricane Joaquin, but state emergency management officials are making plans in case the powerful storm should have an impact on Massachusetts.

The governor said Thursday that state emergency management officials have been in contact with the National Weather Service and local officials and are doing as much preparation as they can without knowing where the storm is headed.

Baker noted it will likely be several more days before any effects are felt in New England.

Still, people in coastal communities like Scituate are taking precautions.

"We're just taking the boat out of the water with this bad weather we have now and the impending hurricane," said boat owner Dave Clancy.

By 3:00 Friday afternoon, high tide will bring a one-to-two foot storm surge and water levels around 12 feet off Scituate. 

The astronomical high tides people are watching right now are the 3:00 Friday afternoon high tide, the 4:00 Saturday morning and 4:00 Saturday afternoon. The worst of the three will likely be Friday's afternoon high tide, so Scituate Marina is taking precautions.

Joaquin strengthened into a category 4 hurricane Friday as it moved through lightly-populated islands of the eastern Bahamas. Although the Joaquin's track has it moving away from the East Coast, meteorologists are still closely monitoring the system.

In Plymouth, high winds and high tides pounded the sea wall at Warren Avenue, making it the place to be during stormy weather.

"This is about normal for the time of the year. We get the nor'easters and it looks real pretty here as long as you come at a low tide," one storm watcher said.

Hundreds of boats were still in the water in Plymouth Harbor Friday afternoon, but some owners were still taking them out as a precaution.

"Whoever hasn't taken their boat out is pretty much going to be in the thick of it right now, so hopefully they've checked their bilges and checked their ropes," one man said.

Despite days of stormy weather, coastal flooding and erosion have not been a problem in America's hometown. In fact, people seem to be having fun with the weather while soaking in the spectacular view.

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