Plum Island residents preparing for the worst

PLUM ISLAND, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – Plum Island could see some serious damage with up to 50 mile per hour wind gusts and heavy rain.

Houses close to the water are particularly vulnerable. Officials say the worst of the storm is expected to hit Thursday and into tomorrow, which could cause flooding during high tide.
    
Residents say this year's weather has made island living particularly difficult.

"It just seems like since November, we haven't caught a break," said resident Bob Connors. "Every coastal storm seems to be significant now."

Connors' home, as well as the 20 or so others on Annapolis Way, are particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to the water. Officials said three families haven't been able to go back to their homes since the last big storm.

"Not worried about this tide. It's the next tide and the tide after that," said Newbury Police chief Michael Reilly. "That east wind keeps building up the waves and doesn't let the water evacuate at low tide."

"The fact remains that these homes are in jeopardy," said Sen. Bruce Tarr, of Gloucester. "We've got some sandbags out there and they are doing their job. They did their job in December, they continue to provide some quantum of protection but this is a constantly evolving situation."

No evacuations have been ordered for Plum Island, but emergency officials do expect roads to be washed out.

"I think anyone who lives in a coastal community will tell you it's paradise ten months a year," said Connors. "It becomes misery island the month or two months a year when you're going through these stormy periods."

Cox Media Group