MEMA activates emergency operations ahead of Jose

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is activating its emergency operations center Tuesday night in preparation for Tropical Storm Jose.

Meteorologists have shifted the track for the storm farther east than first anticipated, which alleviates some of the risks to Southern New England; however, MEMA says it will be ready to deal with the storm’s effects through Wednesday evening.

"Overnight, the forecast track for Jose shifted farther to the east, which will result in less of an impact to southern New England. Generally, the Cape and Islands, and southeastern MA, will experience conditions similar to a strong nor’easter," MEMA wrote Tuesday in a situational awareness statement. "Jose will produce heavy rain over a small part of southern New England and eastern Long Island as it passes offshore Tuesday and Wednesday. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is possible along the coast over the next several days, with total rain accumulations of 3 to 5 inches expected over Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Swells generated by Jose are likely to cause dangerous surf and rip current conditions for the next several days along much of the U.S. east coast."

MEMA also says it is working to bring 500 unfilled sandbags to southeastern Massachusetts.

Several parks and campgrounds in southeastern Massachusetts have been closed due to the expectation that Jose will pass near the area as a tropical storm this week.

MORE: Residents along coast make last-minute preparations as Jose nears

In addition, beaches along many coastal communities have been closed due to expected rip currents.

Cox Media Group