As Hurricane Lee barrels towards the northeastern United States, Governor Maura T. Healey of Massachusetts has taken decisive action by declaring a state of emergency, requesting federal assistance, and activating up to 50 National Guard members according to a recent press release. This proactive response, which comes earlier today, demonstrates the concern for the safety and well-being of Massachusetts residents amid the impending storm as stated in Mass.gov
Tonight into tomorrow, coastal MA can expect to see wind, rain, & flooding as Hurricane Lee brushes Southern New England.
— Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) September 15, 2023
I’m declaring a state of emergency and calling on @fema to issue a Pre-Disaster Emergency Declaration to free up resources to support our response efforts.
The state of emergency allows for quick and efficient mobilization of resources and support, while Governor Healey's request for a Pre-Disaster Emergency Declaration under the Stafford Act aims to make the state eligible for Direct Federal Assistance. This would help cover response costs, including personnel, equipment, supplies, and evacuation assistance.
Ahead of Hurricane Lee's anticipated arrival, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has advised residents and visitors to take important precautions. Among these measures, MEMA urges individuals to familiarize themselves with their local Hurricane Evacuation Zone, prepare emergency kits, make arrangements for possible power outages, and enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on mobile devices. These steps can make a significant difference in ensuring individual and community safety during the storm.
Anticipating the dangers posed by Hurricane Lee, the Governor is activating National Guard members to assist with storm preparation and response efforts, including operating highwater vehicles. Governor Healey emphasized the importance of teamwork and preparation by stating, "We're grateful for the extensive efforts of public safety officials who are responding to emergencies to keep people safe. All of us can do our part to help our friends and neighbors – and we encourage every Massachusetts resident to make sure they are prepared for this storm."
Hurricane Lee is expected to unleash strong winds, heavy rain, and severe coastal flooding across southern New England from Friday night into Saturday, with Tropical Storm Warnings in effect along the entire Massachusetts coastline.
