By Beth David, Editor
It was only shell of its former self when it hit last Wednesday night, but Hurricane Ida, which devastated the Gulf Coast, dropped 8.22 inches of rain on West Island, with 7.86 inches recorded in other parts of town. Acushnet received 2.95 inches, New Bedford got a whopping 9.50.
Shellfishing was still not open as of press time due to runoff into the shellfish beds. All beaches were closed for a couple of days, but are open now.
Schools in Acushnet, Fairhaven and New Bedford were not affected, bud Tri Town closed all six schools in the Old Rochester Regional School District on Thursday, 9/2. School had already been scheduled to be out on Friday, so with the holiday kids got a very long weekend off just as school began for the year.
“There are numerous downed trees, flooded roadways and adverse travel conditions throughout the three towns, as well as road closures, which include a portion of Route 6 in Mattapoisett,” said the district in a press release.
According to the statement, sections of Route 6 were closed due to flooding, and alternate routes were also closed.
“Community members are reminded to stay cautious after a storm passes through the area. Heavy rain and strong winds can cause a multitude of problems such as power outages, fallen debris and flooding that often blocks roads. Never drive through large puddles or on flooded roads, which could threaten your safety. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away,” reads the statement.
At least one boat was pulled from its mooring on West Island and ended up against the causeway.
Hurricane Ida was the fifth-strongest hurricane to hit the US, killing more than 45 people. Some drowned in their cars or basement apartments. At least 11 people died in basement apartments in New York City.
Winds reached up to 75 miles per hour in Dennis when a tornado touched down. Winds from Hurricane Ida reached 172 mph in Louisiana.
Tens of thousands of people lost power in Massachusetts, but it has been restored. It will be weeks before it is restored in Louisiana, where hundreds of thousands are still without power.
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