Melrose Braces As Hurricane Earl Is Downgraded

Within 24 hours, Hurricane Earl's predicted strength and proximity to Massachusetts have both been downgraded to less threatening levels, but with a history of flooding in the city formerly known as "Pondfeilde," Melrose officials aren't taking any chances.

Bob Beshara, Melrose Department of Public Works (DPW) superintendent, said that Ell Pond has been lowered six inches by opening the hydraulic gate installed two years ago. Lowering the level of the pond, which drains approximately 1,1000 acres in Melrose, Stoneham and Wakefield, mitigates flooding on the Lynn Fells Parkway, Tremont Street and at the nearby Melrose Towers Condominiums.

DPW workers have also been sent around the city to clear catch basins and grates of any leaves or other debris than would clog storm water drains, Beshara said.

While the city is taking precautionary measures, Hurricane Earl's impact when it arrives off the coast of Massachusetts on Friday night may be less severe than initially thought. Thursday morning, Hurricane Earl had been a Category 4 storm, which has winds of up to 145 miles per hour, and forecasters said the hurricane could pass as close as 15 miles to Nantucket.

On Friday morning, however, Earl had been downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane, which has winds of 74 to 95 miles per hour, and is expected to pass 50 to 100 miles east of Nantucket.

Governor declares state of emergency

Regardless, in a press conference held via phone on Thursday afternoon from Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) headquarters, Gov. Deval Patrick declared a state-wide state of emergency and said he was anticipating President Barack Obama to designate the state a federal emergency area this evening. Obama signed an emergency disaster declaration for the state late Thursday.

"Mother Nature is fickle," Patrick said. "She changes her mind often."

Patrick, who told the state "not to panic," said communication between state, federal and local officials have been impeccable and as a whole, officials feel prepared for the storm.

"This is a serious storm to prepare for," he said.

Steps residents can take to prepare

The state Division of Insurance's Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation told residents to take proactive measures to minimize any damage from the hurricane.

"Even a glancing blow from a storm of this nature can create serious damage to a home, especially a coastal property that may be exposed to strong winds," said Barbara Anthony, the Undersecretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, in a press release. "Homeowners need to be prepared and take steps that can reduce some of the potential impacts of this storm. A little extra work now can go a long way."

Homeowners are encouraged to review their policies, and make sure they know what is covered. Generally, flood damage caused "from above," like heavy rain, is likely covered by homeowner"s insurance. However, flood damage "from below," like through basement walls or sewer backups, are not. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program.

For flood preparation:

• Raise or anchor equipment below base flood elevation.
• Install or maintain a sump pump.
• Place sandbags at doors or windows that are on ground level.
• Learn the emergency flood plan for the area.
• Prepare an emergency kit including a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food, first-aid kit, battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.

For high-wind preparation:

• Trim dead wood and weak or overhanging branches from all trees.
• Check and secure anchoring for covered porches.
• Reinforce garage doors so that they are able to withstand high winds.
• Install tie-downs for sheds, fuel tanks, television antennas and dishes, and woodpiles.
• Install hurricane shutters or outdoor plywood to each window, along with shatterproof glass.
• Install head and foot bolts to doors.
• Reinforce your roof. Install hurricane straps or clips to help keep you roof attached to the walls.

Marblehead Patch Editor Katie Curley-Katzman contributed to this report.