News

Hanna to bring strong winds and rain

By Matthew K. Roy
Staff writer
Published: September 6, 2008

Hurricane Hanna is forecasted to hit the region late tonight, bringing with it strong winds and rain.

In Peabody, city officials are more concerned about the potential for wind-caused damage than they are about the threat of flooding.

"There's a possibility that with the rain and some high winds there could be some downed trees," said Christopher Tighe, the city's Director of Homeland Security.

The area that looks to be the most impacted by the storm is the southeastern portion of the state, according to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

But rains of 2 to 4 inches can be expected throughout the state. Sustained winds of 58 miles per hour and gusts up to 69 miles per hour are also anticipated.

This afternoon, Tighe will open up Peabody's Emergency Operations Center. The center, located in the Department of Public Works headquarters, helps the city monitor storms and expedite the response of public safety forces and public works crews.

"It's not likely to be a long-duration event," Tighe said. Hanna is expected to clear the state by early tomorrow afternoon.

The rainfall is not projected to coincide with high tide, which decreases the chance of flooding, Tighe said. The city has also handled higher volumes of rainfall without incident during storms earlier this summer, he said.

Whatever the forecast, the past has taught the city to be prepared.

"If anything happens," Tighe said, "we're ready."

The inclement weather led to the cancellation today of Kids' Day in Peabody. The event, part of the city's 25th annual International Festival, has been rescheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Leather City Common. The rain date is Sept. 21.