Preparations underway on Cape Cod in anticipation of Henri

BARNSTABLE, Mass. — The Cape is keeping an extra close eye on Henri as it moves up the coast.

Ironically today is also the 30-year mark from when Hurricane Bob hit the state.

Some of those preparations are already underway.

On Thursday, 30 years ago to the day, Hurricane Bob hit Massachusetts, causing a lot of damage on the Cape.

“I lived in West Dennis, my daughter was 4 months old and her basinet was right by the window and moved it all in,” one local woman said, “it tipped the swing set over. We had like 11 trees down in our yard”.

Barnstable County Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Sean O’Brien was working here when Bob hit.

O’Brien says that hurricane and storms since have made the Cape better prepared.

Preparations underway on Cape Cod in anticipation of Henri

“We have different weather technology. We are seeing a stronger power grid and we have learned over the years we have to work hand and hand with the power companies,” said O’Brien.

As Henri moves closer O’Brien says they are already conference calling and talking about opening the Multi-Agency Coordination Center in Barnstable.

“You just never know what can happen in Mother Nature so really it is important to be prepared,” O’Brien said.

MA Gov. Charlie Baker said people should keep a close eye on weather reports and listen to local emergency management guidance over the next few days.

“We’ve started to have calls with the emergency management folks and the national weather service,” he said. “These things can be extremely dangerous if you end up in the middle of one.”

Boaters, like Robert Mailhoit, are also making last-minute decisions based on what the storm does.

“If I don’t pull it out on the water I’ll put it out on a mooring out away from shore, keeping it from hitting other boats,” said Mailhoit.

Jennifer Augilar is visiting from Louisiana and knows how fast storms can change track and how important it is to be prepared.

“Rapid intensification is a thing and it is always important to run your generator, make sure it is in good running condition, change the oil, gas it up,” said Augilar.

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