Hurricane Watch

A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours. When a Hurricane Watch is issued, residents should be mindful of the following:

  • Stay informed: Follow the City of New Bedford’s website and social media, as well as local radio, television and news websites for the latest local information. Key updates can be found on www.newbedford-ma.gov, as well as on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Local media outlets with emergency information include New Bedford Cable Network (Channels 9, 18 and 95 on local Comcast and online, 1420 WBSM on the radio, Channels 10, 12 and 6 on TV, and online on SouthCoastToday.com and NewBedfordGuide.com. Residents can also sign up for NB Alert, an emergency notification system to receive calls, texts or emails, at www.nbalert.com.
  • Listen regularly for updated hurricane progress reports on NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or television stations. Hurricanes can change direction, intensity, and speed very suddenly
  • If officials call for an evacuation, avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges. Leaving an area that may be affected will help keep your family safe.
  • Prepare your property for high winds. Hurricane winds can blow large, heavy objects and send them crashing into homes. Anything not secured may become a deadly or damaging projectile.
  • Bring lawn furniture inside, as well as outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, or anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
  • Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically remove branches so that wind can blow through.
  • Moor boat securely or move it to a designated safe place. Use rope or chain to secure boat to trailer. Use tie-downs to anchor trailer to the ground or house.
  • Fill your vehicle’s fuel tank. Gas stations may be closed after the storm due to loss of electricity.
  • Stock up on prescription and other essential medications. Stores and pharmacies may also be closed after the storm.
  • Check your Disaster Supplies Kit. Some supplies may need to be replaced or restocked.
  • Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest setting. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly. Keeping the coldest air in will help perishables last much longer in the event of a power failure.
  • Store drinking water in clean bottles, jugs, cooking pots and bathtubs. Disruption of the water distribution system could result in contamination.
  • Unplug small appliances. Small appliances may be affected by electrical power surges that may occur as the storm approaches. Unplugging them reduces potential damage.
  • Review evacuation plan. Know where you will be evacuating to and how to get there.