Mayor Michelle Wu issued precautions ahead of Hurricane Lee reaching Boston.
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The storm is expected to impact the Boston area overnight Friday, September 15 through Saturday, September 16.
Hurricane Lee is forecast to pass offshore of southern New England on Saturday but its impacts will extend far from the storm’s center.
The latest forecast indicates up to one to four inches of rainfall, with damaging winds, and potential for flooding in low-lying areas. The area will experience a peak storm surge of one to three feet.
Residents are encouraged to stay indoors throughout the storm.
“Our City departments have been preparing for every potential impact of this storm, and even as the projected path has moved further away from Boston, we are taking every step to be ready for the unexpected,†said Mayor Michelle Wu.
“Our top priority is to ensure the safety of everyone in our communities, so please plan ahead to stay indoors if possible on Saturday and check on your loved ones and neighbors.â€
Extreme and intense rain events are becoming increasingly common in the Northeast, often dropping several inches of rain in a couple of hours.
The city received over 20 inches of rain in just July and August; Boston typically receives a total of 44 inches annually.
The City may experience combined sewer overflows during the storm and the public can track these via the BWSC and BPHC websites.
BWSC and the City are preparing for the rain by clearing debris off of catch basins so the infrastructure is unimpeded during the storm.
Boston is also improving stormwater management by building green infrastructure across the city to reduce the flow of stormwater into our stormwater system.
Residents can install green infrastructure at home, including rain barrels and rain gardens that decrease the amount of stormwater that must be managed by the city’s stormwater system.
BCYF centers will open for regular hours in case residents need support or shelter. ■