Hurricane Henri

The Marine Patrol Unit of the New Hampshire State Police is issuing warnings to the users of our inland waters as Tropical Storm Henri is forecasted to strengthen to a Hurricane and make landfall along the southern New England coast over the weekend. As weather experts continue to update us on the storm’s path, now is the time for property owners and visitors to take the necessary steps to insure their safety and the safety of their property.

Marine Patrol warns that significant weather events like Henri often result in damage and loss of shorefront property. High winds and rough water conditions will ultimately lead to damaged or destroyed boats, swim floats, docks, and other waterfront structures. One can minimize the impacts of a storm by taking precautionary steps ahead of time. Please secure all small rowboats, kayaks, canoes, sailboats, etc. away from the water and out of reach of rising water levels. Insure that all docks, lines/ropes and mooring chains are in serviceable condition. This equipment is often worn or in disrepair after a long summer season. Mooring chains are especially prone to failure as they wear very thin at the anchor after a season of motion (see attached photo).

During a storm, your boat will be safest on a mooring if the mooring is equipped with the proper weight and tackle. If you are keeping your boat at a dock, be sure to tie it “bow out” and remember to trim up the outdrive. For boats without covers, remember your battery will not be able to power a bilge pump during a prolonged rain event.

Island residents must also consider their individual needs. Persons living on an island with existing medical conditions, that might need emergency services, should consider temporary lodging on the mainland. All islanders are reminded that emergency response to islands may be significantly delayed during weather events of this nature. In addition, water conditions may make it impossible to access your frontage directly and may require emergency services to travel across an island in order to reach you safely. Persons must also consider their boat’s capabilities before navigating during a storm event. If people find themselves needing to return to the mainland during a storm, they should not expect that transportation will be available from emergency responders.

Anyone boating this weekend should plan for deteriorating conditions as the weekend progresses. If boating during stormy conditions cannot be avoided, officials urge all persons aboard to wear a life jacket. In the event your boat capsizes or swamps, all persons should stay with the boat until help arrives.

Please continue to monitor weather forecasts and local news outlets for updated information. In the event of an emergency, Marine Patrol can be reached by calling 911.