Scituate orders coastal evacuations for high tide

SCITUATE, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com/AP) — Evacuation orders have been issued for residents in Scituate, Mass.

About a dozen streets were closed after high tide sent two to two-and-a-half feet of water into some areas. Emergency management officials were worried about getting through two more high tides before the storm ends Friday.

"There are no mandatory evacuations, but it is strongly advised," said Scituate Police Chief Brian Stewart. "Why put yourself at risk? Folks have been through this before, and they know what happens in these areas. We're recommending that people in areas that have experienced coastal flooding to evacuate three hours before high tide."

A shelter at Scituate High School was opened and all Scituate Public Schools were closed Thursday.

During the blizzard, ocean waves overwhelmed the town's sea walls. This time, residents are not taking any chances.

On Cape Cod, where the storm was expected to be mostly rain, officials were concerned about beach erosion. The area suffered extensive erosion from Superstorm Sandy in October and a major snowstorm last month.

"We've really gotten more erosion in the last six months than we've experienced in the last decade," said Sandwich Town Manager George Dunham. "These three storms are really taking a toll."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cox Media Group