City Refreshes Hurricane Preparedness Guidance for Residents

NEW BEDFORD – Mayor Jon Mitchell was joined by senior leadership from several City departments Thursday to give a presentation on the City’s hurricane preparedness and share key details that residents need to know in case of a weather emergency.

“It’s not a matter of if, but when, New Bedford gets hit with its next hurricane,” Mayor Mitchell said. “It’s a fact of life living where we do, so it’s important that everyone has a plan in mind when it happens.”

While the Atlantic hurricane season runs annually from June 1-Nov. 30, it ramps up in intensity between August and October, when a large majority of stronger hurricanes develop. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-average season in 2024 with 17-25 named storms and 8-13 named hurricanes.

City departments have worked together on hurricane preparations, taking steps such as:

• Continuing to upgrade infrastructure for storm run-off to reduce flooding threats.
• Conducting emergency response tabletop exercises to better coordinate city departments with outside agencies and stakeholders.
• Analyzing past storm impacts and conducting debriefings after all major weather events.
• Updating evacuation maps and routes.

“New Bedford residents, especially those on or near the Peninsula, need to know that evacuating their homes is a real possibility if a major hurricane heads toward New Bedford,” Director of the City’s Emergency Management Department Brian Nobrega said. “It’s critical that residents know what evacuation zone they’re in and what the evacuation routes are.”

The City utilizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s evacuation zone designations. Zone A, which covers the perimeter of the South End Peninsula as well as south of Cove Road and the area of Padanaram Avenue, is the most at-risk designation. Zone B covers the interior of the Peninsula and extends north by the Harbor and accompanying waterways into Acushnet. Residents can explore the evacuation zone maps, and type in their address to find their zone designation, by accessing the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency’s interactive online tool on the Hurricane Preparedness section of the City’s website, www.newbedford-ma.gov/emergency-management/hurricanes.

Should an evacuation be announced, residents on the Peninsula will evacuate north by taking Brock Avenue to Route 18. Residents west of Padanaram Avenue will evacuate northwest by taking Bolton Street to Rockdale Avenue.

Keith Middle School, 225 Hathaway Blvd., has been designated by the City and the American Red Cross as the emergency shelter, with New Bedford High School, 230 Hathaway Blvd., serving as the back-up shelter.

Mayor Mitchell also urged residents during Thursday’s presentation to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest information in the event of severe weather. Residents can sign up for NB Alert, the City’s emergency notification system in which people can opt-in to receive a call, text or email with emergency instructions, by visiting www.nbalert.com. Important information will also be shared on the City’s website and social media channels, New Bedford Cable Network (Channels 9, 18 and 95 on local Comcast), 1420 WBSM radio, local news channels 6, 10 and 12, and online at SouthCoastToday.com and NewBedfordGuide.com.

The City’s website has been updated to include the latest information to prepare for a hurricane, including tips on protecting your property and what supplies to put in an emergency kit. Visit www.newbedford-ma.gov/emergency-management/hurricanes for more details.