Residents of Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, are grappling with the aftermath of a powerful storm that led to significant flooding and road closures in the coastal community. The storm, marked by high tides, strong winds, and heavy rain, prompted emergency measures and left homes and streets inundated.
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Residents Prepared but Caught Off Guard
Emma Perry, a resident of Hampton Beach, walked through flooded driveways with her grandson Liam, as crews assessed the aftermath of the storm. Perry, accustomed to the region’s wintertime floods, expressed that residents were aware of the possibility and typically prepared for such events. However, the severity of the storm caught many off guard, with water levels reaching their porch, a couple of feet above the ground.
Road Closures and Emergency Declaration
Authorities, including Hampton Police Chief Alex Reno, took swift action to address the situation. Ocean Boulevard was closed from Seabrook to North Hampton, and access to several roads, including Route 101 and Winnacunnet Road, was blocked. The closure aimed to prevent further risks as large waves crashed over sea walls, creating deep and frigid waters around neighborhoods. The town officials declared an emergency, establishing a shelter at Hampton Academy for those affected by the flooding.
Challenges for Residents Returning Home
Residents faced challenges returning home as roads leading to the beach were closed for several hours. Joanne Wickson and Alicia Preston Xanthopoulos shared their experiences of being unable to access their homes due to blocked-off roads. Despite the inconvenience, some residents made the best of the situation, seeking refuge in local establishments like the Galley Hatch.
Exacerbating Factors and Rising Concerns
Residents on Island Path reported that flooding on their road was worsened by cars disregarding road closures, causing waves that reached homes. Sandy Glansberg, a resident on Island Path, noted the worsening flooding in recent years. She recounted having to replace her furnace and washing machine last year due to flooding from high tides. Concerns about property values and the increased frequency of flooding have some residents questioning the sustainability of living in the coastal area.
Assessment and Cleanup Efforts
After the storm subsided, Hampton officials, including police and sheriff’s office personnel, began assessing the damage. Drones were employed to survey homes and structures, with a focus on determining any structural damage to roadways. Cleanup efforts were underway, addressing the deposits of seafoam, sand, rocks, and debris left in the wake of the flooding. The town prepared for the evening high tide, remaining vigilant due to uncertainties in the forecast.
Hampton Beach Residents Reflect on Unusual Severity
Chuck Lawson, a resident on Battcock Avenue, reflected on the damage to his home, noting that while flooding is expected during serious storms, the recent event surpassed the usual severity. The community now faces the dual challenges of cleaning up the aftermath and contemplating the potential risks associated with living in a coastal area prone to increasing flooding.
As Hampton Beach residents continue their cleanup efforts, questions arise about the long-term sustainability of coastal living amid changing weather patterns and the growing impact of severe storms on their community. Authorities and residents alike are left to assess the damages and consider future measures to mitigate the impact of such events on this picturesque coastal town.
