City of Newburyport Shares Update Following Saturday’s Storm

NEWBURYPORT — Mayor Sean R. Reardon wishes to provide an update following Saturday’s storm, as well as recognize the efforts of City employees during and following the inclement weather. 

Saturday’s storm brought one of the highest tides ever seen in Newburyport and the effects were felt all across the City, from Plum Island to the Chain Bridge.

During Saturday’s inclement weather, the Newburyport Fire Department responded to 15 weather-related emergencies, as well as a call for a cardiac arrest. The majority of the weather-related calls were on Plum Island and included assisting stranded motorists, two electrical fires, multiple floating propane tanks and multiple calls for service to secure utilities. The Island was staffed with one engine with three members who worked through three feet of water at some points during and following the storm to assist residents.

In addition to the 15 emergency calls, the department responded to several calls to assist residents with basic needs, such as deterring water, checking on senior residents and monitoring the expected weather impacts, including the 1 a.m tide. Newburyport Fire remained staffed on Plum Island until 3 a.m. Sunday. 

Newburyport Fire was in constant contact with Newburyport Police and the Department of Public Services, as well as Newbury Police, Fire and Emergency Management. The department worked with Newbury Fire and Police to close Plum Island Boulevard, Sunset Street and Old Point Road. Newburyport Fire was also assisted by Newbury Emergency Management, which provided a High Water Vehicle to help access locations where there was up to five feet of water. 

“The crews worked through inclement weather, feet of salt water and cold temperatures at night,” Chief Stephen Bradbury said. “I would like to recognize and thank all of our members and our fellow public safety professionals in Newburyport and Newbury for their assistance. We all worked together as one team to assist residents and safeguard properties as best as we could.”

In addition to responding to usual calls for service, the Newburyport Police Department worked to monitor the status of local roads. Water Street at Union Street/Rolfe’s Lane was shut down for approximately six hours and Merrimac Street, near Mersen, was shut down for approximately four hours. 

Department of Public Services staff observed the conditions of the Lower Artichoke River Dam throughout and following the storm and at no time was the water supply compromised. The Plum Island sewer system experienced minor issues during the height of the weather, but most services in Newburyport were unaffected as issues were repaired in real time. The department will continue working to address drainage and flooding issues in the coming days.  

“Our Fire Department, Police Department and Department of Public Services did a great job keeping community members safe and assisting residents in dealing with many flooding-related issues all around the City,” Mayor Reardon said. “We are grateful for the efforts of and collaboration between all of our staff as they worked to address the storm’s impacts.”

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