Salem, North Shore Brace For Coastal Flooding

SALEM, MA -- The January storm that hit Salem was so bad that one long-time local weather observer told Salem Patch it was the worst coastal flooding in the city in at least 50 years. That record may be shgort lived, as the National Weather Service is warning the storm expected to start Thursday night could offer higher tides and more flooding than the last Nor'Easter to hit the North Shore.

"This is a very dangerous storm, and evacuation of some neighborhoods will likely be necessary," the weather service said.

In addition to hurricane-like winds topping 70 miles per hour, the weather service is warning that coastal areas in Massachusetts can expect flooding, erosion and heavy rain that may turn over to wet snow late Friday. The area is officially under a flood warning from 9 am Friday until 3 am Saturday.

The City of Salem posted a warning on its Website Thursday afternoon. It included a list of streets and areas in the city that were likely to flood. The city is also advising residents and commuters to be prepared for blocked and closed roadways.

On January 4, a snowstorm combined with high winds and high tide to put Derby wharf completely under water. Streets and roadways were flooded and many cars were abandoned. But the Massachusetts Emergency Management Association is warning that flooding from the next storm could be twice as bad as the January storm.

Photo of Salem during January storm by Angela Merluzzo. See more photos from the January storm and subscribe to Salem Patch for more local news and real-time alerts.