Hurricane Jose is apparently on it's way.  While the minimal hurricane is likely to skip off to sea to our southeast it is expected to impact the region with tropical force winds and heavy rain.  The biggest threat from the storm could be erosion along the immediate south coast.

We New Englanders are a hearty bunch.  We are used to nor'easters.  Wet ones and white ones.  Jose could be just a strong nor'easter...but you never know.    Never one to take Mother Nature for granted I will make storm preps.  Anything that is loose that could get tossed through the window by a strong gust should be secured.

Extra batteries are always a good idea.  Visit the ATM, gas up the buggy and make sure you've got enough munchies on hand just incase Jose changes his mind at the last minute and tracks a bit closer.  And keep the cellphones and other devices fully charged so that you'll be able to monitor instructions should the need arise.

Do yourself and local public safety officials a big favor and stay away from open areas along the waterfront, including the newly constructed hurricane barrier walkways.  Should there be a crisis the last thing we need is to have to perform search and rescue missions because people didn't use common sense.

Be prepared to evacuate if instructed to do so.

If you are aware of folks near you that might be alone or have special needs be sure to check in with them before, during and after the storm to see that they have what they need and are in no danger.  If they are concerned about their safety perhaps you can move them to a better environment where they can ride out the storm with others.

Once the storm is passed give clean up and utility crews the space and time they need to set things right again.  If your cable or lights are lost as a result of the storm expect that it could take some time to repair the damage before service is restored.  Be patient.

Jose will pass.  Whatever he does or doesn't do to us, the preparations we make will only prepare us for winter which is lurking not too far down the road.

Stay safe.  Be smart.

Monitor 1420 WBSM and WBSM.com for all of the latest developments concerning Hurricane Jose including weather updates from the ABC-6 WEATHER CENTER.

Editor's Note: Barry Richard is the afternoon host on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from Noon-3pm. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

 

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