Staff reports 4:50 a.m.
Thursday, September 14, 2023 4:47 am

CONCORD - The National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for coastal Rockingham County prompting the state's Homeland Security and Emergency Management office to urge residents and visitors across the state to be prepared for Hurricane Lee, which is expected to arrive in the Gulf of Maine on Friday.

In the Northern Seacoast Lee's peak wind gusts are forecast to reach 40-60 mph, strong enough to down trees and power lines.

A Tropical Storm Watch means there is the potential for wind 39 to 57 mph in the watch area within the next 48 hours.

Hurricane Lee's impacts are expected to be strongest on the Seacoast. However, NWS said all of New Hampshire has the potential to be affected by strong winds. HSEM, in coordination with other state, local and federal partners, is closely monitoring the storm.

"Residents and visitors should take time to prepare now for strong winds and power outages," said HSEM Director Robert Buxton. "Pay attention to local weather alerts and make sure everyone in your family knows your emergency plan and their roles. Check your emergency kit to ensure you have enough items for at least 72 hours. Secure any items outside your home, especially on the Seacoast."

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) plans to activate at Enhanced Monitoring at 8 a.m. Friday to monitor the storm and support local communities.

Director Buxton offers the following safety tips:

• Sign up for NH Alerts to receive free emergency notifications including weather alerts from the National Weather Service.
• Monitor storm updates from the National Weather Service and local radio and television stations.
• Prepare your home: Keep rain gutters and downspouts clear of debris, move vehicles to a safe location, trim trees that may fall and cause damage, and prepare your generator in case you lose power.
• Tie down or bring indoors any objects that might be blown around by hurricane winds (outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, display racks, signs and any other loose objects that are normally left outside).
• Follow instructions from local emergency officials and know how to safely evacuate should you be told to do so.
• Rip currents can be stronger both before and after a storm. Avoid beach activities until weather conditions improve.

For more information on what to do before, during and after a hurricane, visit ReadyNH.gov/disasters/hurricanes. Stay informed by following New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, (@NH_HSEM) and Instagram (@NH_HSEM).