Weather

New Hampshire Marine Patrol: Prep For Tropical Storm Isaias Now

Heavy rain, high winds are expected so boats need to be covered, secured, or moored, and Granite Staters need to prepare for power outages.

The New Hampshire Department of Safety is warning residents to prepare for Tropical Storm Isaias now — not later.
The New Hampshire Department of Safety is warning residents to prepare for Tropical Storm Isaias now — not later. (National Weather Service)

CONCORD, NH — Marine Patrol in New Hampshire has issued an alert to residents warning them to prepare for Tropical Storm Isaias.

While it has been downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm, Seacoast and lake property owners need to prepare for the storm's conditions and impacts now before it arrives Tuesday night.

"Heavy rain and high winds are likely and can pose unexpected consequences," Capt. Tim Dunleavy of Marine Patrol said.

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If you own a boat, Marine Patrol suggests to secure it to a dock or mooring with extra lines and be sure it has enough slack to ride large waves without jerking or snapping lines.

Bilge pumps wired to batteries may be drained due to rain resulting in boats sinking.

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"Be sure you have adequate water depth beneath your boat during heavy wave conditions," Dunleavy said.

The bow of the boat should be facing the waves, if possible, due to large waves from the stern of the boat can quickly fill it with water causing it to sink.

Mooring chains can sometimes chafe when constantly moving. Storms of this size can break worn chains. Also, make sure boats are moored with enough depth to handle wave conditions.

Canoes, kayaks, and other small craft should not be left on beaches but secured where they can't be reached by high tides or lake waves.

During storms, access to docks and property on lakes and the Seacoast can be delayed and sometimes, impossible to get to, Dunleavy said.

Anyone with a medical condition should consider staying inland during the storm.

Make sure you have a supply of medication, if you need them, and provisions in the event of a power outage.

"Please know that the priority for Marine Patrol and other Emergency Services during these types of weather events is life-safety," Dunleavy said. "We will not be able to assist with drifting boats, boats on the rocks, or non-emergency transportation of persons to/from islands when conditions jeopardize the safety of our personnel or equipment."

In the event of an emergency, Marine Patrol can be reached by calling 9-1-1.

National Weather Service Update

As of 5 p.m. Sunday, southern New Hampshire is expected to see wind speeds of 30 to 50 mph when the remnants of the storm begins sometime around 8 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The probable center of the storm is presumed to hit New Hampshire around 2 a.m. Wednesday and be finished 12 hours after that. Rainfall could be anywhere from 4 to 6 inches in the state.

The primary impact from Isaias for our area will be heavy rainfall which may result in flash flooding as well as river...
Posted by US National Weather Service Gray ME on Sunday, August 2, 2020

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