Strong winds, rain, flooding expected to hit Boston Friday

By Dylan Rossiter and Chris Van Buskirk / March 2, 2018

Doppler radar image shows the storm as it moves into the greater Boston area early Friday morning. Photo: NOAA/The Weather Service.

The National Weather Service on Thursday issued a high wind and coastal flood warning for Suffolk County, which includes Emerson College.

The storm, making its way toward eastern Massachusetts, may produce wind gusts up to 70 mph, coastal flooding, heavy rain, and snow on Friday afternoon. Students must vacate residence halls by 12 p.m. Saturday for spring break, however the flood warning remains in effect until 3 a.m. Sunday.

Associate Dean of Campus Life Erik Muurisepp said the college’s Emergency Planning Team, Facilities Management, and Construction Management secured items around campus and the Little Building construction site. The Office of Housing and Residence Life is monitoring if any students are delayed or are not able to depart for spring break, according to Muurisepp.

Assistant Director of Housing Kendra Stokes said in a Facebook post to parents and families early Friday morning that students could only stay in the dorm if they received prior email permission to do so. She also stated that students requiring last minute accommodations because of travel disruptions caused by the storm should contact the RA or RD on duty to work out alternative plans.

As of 11 p.m. Thursday, a number of air carriers including JetBlue Airways. United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines began canceling or delaying flights out of Logan Airport for Friday.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority said disruptions may occur due to flooding, high winds, fallen trees, and power failures.

About the Contributors

Dylan Rossiter, Emerson '21

Dylan Rossiter is the Director of Advertising and Events for the State House News Service, where he also serves as General Manager for the company's flagship newsletter, MASSterList. He served as The Berkeley Beacon's Operations Managing Editor, overseeing finance, institutional advancement, and newsroom administration from May 2019 to July 2021. He is the only known disabled managing editor in the history of The Beacon. During his first semester at Emerson, Rossiter became Digital Strategist, where he overhauled The Beacon's website and helped transition the organization to a multi-platform daily. He guided The Beacon's digital platforms in that role, helping to triple the newspaper's online audience. Rossiter also helped develop and supervise the launch of The Berkeley Beacon Magazine, podcast unit, subscription service, and donor support program. He also provided editorial support amid breaking news and Irregular operations. While at Emerson, Rossiter worked as an Assignment Editor with NBCUniversal Local. He graduated Emerson in May 2021 with a BS in Journalism.

Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21

Chris Van Buskirk graduated in 2021. He worked for the State House News Service and MassLive before moving on to the Boston Herald as a state house reporter in May 2023.