New Bedford’s Mayor Mitchell announces city closures for Hurricane Henri

Mayor Jon Mitchell announced Saturday a series of precautions New Bedford is taking in anticipation of Hurricane Henri. Hurricane Henri is expected to hit New Bedford as a tropical storm late Saturday evening and could bring a potential for tropical storm force winds, heavy rain, and high storm surges.

Beaches, CoveWalk, HarborWalk, and Fort Taber Closed to Public Effective Saturday, August 21 at 8:00pm

City beaches, CoveWalk, HarborWalk, and Fort Taber will be closed to the public effective Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 8:00p.m. Police will be making regular patrols of the South End beaches, HarborWalk, CoveWalk, and Fort Taber, and will remove people from those areas. The storm is expected to cause surges anywhere from 3-5 feet high.

Anticipated Closure of the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier

The Army Corps of Engineers may make a determination on the closure the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier based on the storm surge. Mayor Mitchell has urged all vessel owners to plan to be inside the harbor with all deliberate speed. The City may decide to close the barrier street gates at Padanaram Avenue, West Rodney French Boulevard or East Rodney French Boulevard, based on the severity of any storm surge.

Vaccine and Testing Clinics Cancelled for Sunday, August 22

Previously scheduled vaccine clinics on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at the Fisherman’s Memorial and YMCA will be canceled.

Covid testing at the New Bedford Regional Airport is also canceled on Sunday, August 22, 2021 and Monday, August 23, 2021.

Buttonwood Park Zoo Closed on Sunday, August 22, 2021

Buttonwood Park Zoo will be closed to the public on Sunday, August 22, 2021.

New Bedford Regional Airport Remains Open As Long as Safe

The New Bedford Regional Airport will remain in operation for as long as it remains safe. Passengers should contact their air carriers, including Cape Air, directly to confirm their flight status.

Trash Collection Schedule Delayed By One Day

The normal trash collection schedule will be delayed by one day. If your trash is normally collected on Monday, it will be collected on Tuesday this week. If your trash is normally collected on Tuesday, it will be collected on Wednesday this week, and so on. Residents whose trash is normally collected on Monday are urged not to put their trash out Sunday night.

City Office Closures on Monday, August 23, 2021

Mayor Mitchell will decide on the closure of city offices for Monday, August 23, 2021, on Sunday, August 22, 2021.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Residents and Business Owners

Mayor Mitchell advises residents and business owners to review the “Hurricane Preparedness Checklist” available on the city webpage (www.newbedford-ma.gov) and to take proactive steps to protect their property from potential heavy rain and wind damage.

Important Emergency Contact Numbers

· To report a downed power line, medical, fire or other emergencies please dial 911.

· Eversource is prepared to address any damage and outages resulting from the storm and encourages customers whose electric service is affected to call 1-800-592-2000. Eversource strongly urges people to stay away from all down wires and to report them immediately.

· New Bedford Police Department can also be reached on its non-emergency line at (508) 991-6350.

· Please visit the City’s website at www.newbedford-ma.gov for more information and updates regarding Hurricane Henri.

The Mayor will continue to update the public throughout the storm as necessary.