New Bedford Unveils 2025 Hurricane Plan Emphasizing South End Evacuations

New Bedford, Massachusetts, is intensifying efforts to prepare for the inevitability of hurricanes, with Mayor Jon Mitchell declaring August 6 as Hurricane Preparedness Day and unveiling the city’s 2025 Hurricane Plan. The plan, developed with input from multiple city departments and stakeholders, outlines a coordinated response to hurricanes, emphasizing the importance of personal evacuation plans, especially for residents in the South End peninsula and Padanaram Avenue, which are most vulnerable to flooding. Officials stress that evacuations could be necessary, with police ready to go door-to-door to ensure residents in high-risk zones leave safely. Emergency shelters have been designated at Keith Middle School and New Bedford High School, and residents are advised to prepare emergency kits with essentials for three to five days. Mayor Mitchell and Emergency Management Director Brian Nobrega highlight that while the city has not experienced a major hurricane in some time, the threat remains certain, making readiness critical. The city encourages residents to review evacuation zones and preparedness tips available on the official city website.