Coastal residents in Massachusetts and New Hampshire are preparing for an intense rainstorm, shoring up properties and fortifying beaches with sand and hay bales. While the storm is expected to bring powerful winds, the tide is not expected to be as high as in previous storms, offering some relief to residents still recovering from January's deluge. Despite the ongoing efforts to protect their properties, residents are weary of the relentless storms and eager for a reprieve.
High tide flooding and storm-driven high surf caused damage and flooding from Rye to Seabrook, impacting Hampton Beach, Seabrook Beach, North Hampton, and Rye. Roads were closed, and infrastructure was damaged, with recurring vulnerabilities along Route 1A. The frequency and severity of flooding incidents are raising concerns, prompting an upcoming "Flood and Emergency Preparedness" program to educate residents on protecting their property and family from severe weather impacts.
Aerial video captured parts of Hampton Beach, New Hampshire flooded from Sunday's high tide, leading to road closures and residential area restrictions. Cleanup efforts are underway as the Seacoast continues to recover from January's storms.
Hampton Beach in New Hampshire declared an emergency due to severe flooding caused by high seas breaching the sea wall at high tide, leading to neighborhoods being underwater and homes being evacuated. Residents were warned to avoid the area, and Ocean Boulevard was temporarily closed. The flooding was a result of a severe rain and wind storm overnight, with neighboring Massachusetts also experiencing heavy rain and strong wind gusts.
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire declared a flooding emergency due to extremely high seas, prompting the closure of Ocean Blvd and the opening of an evacuation shelter at Hampton Academy. Firefighters assisted residents in flooded neighborhoods, while nearby Salisbury also experienced impassable areas due to flooding. Officials urged people to avoid driving through standing water and to seek higher ground if in the affected area.
Emergency responders at Hampton Beach have reported an increase in rescue calls this summer, with 37 calls on Sunday alone. The Hampton Fire Department has seen a rise in surf rescue calls, responding to more than double the usual amount this year. The increase in emergencies is attributed to rip currents, and beachgoers are advised to swim parallel to shore if caught in one. The New Hampshire State Beach Patrol will continue to assist in rescue calls after Labor Day, although staffing will be limited.
A small plane crash-landed into the ocean off Hampton Beach in New Hampshire during a banner tow operation. The pilot, who was the only person on board, swam out of the cockpit and was rescued by lifeguards without any injuries. The plane was later dragged out of the water by a group of people, including lifeguards, and the incident is being investigated by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.
A pedestrian was hospitalized after being struck by a police cruiser near Hampton Beach in New Hampshire. The incident occurred on Ashworth Avenue, and the pedestrian's condition is currently unknown. The cruiser had its lights and siren activated at the time of the collision. Part of Ocean Boulevard was closed for three hours for investigation purposes. The trooper driving the cruiser was unharmed, and the identities of both the trooper and the pedestrian are being withheld during the ongoing investigation.
Two people were rescued from a rip current at Hampton Beach by firefighters and off-duty lifeguards after multiple reports of swimmers in distress. Bystanders also helped bring the swimmers back to shore before first responders arrived. The condition of the swimmers is currently unknown.
