Metro Bay SAMP Issues

Floodplan Hazards Issues

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Issue 3: Increased impacts to recreational marine facilities and boaters

The number of slips and moorings in the Metro Bay area is planned to increase significantly, which will likely lead to increased economic damages in the event of a hurricane. Forecasters can usually predict with accuracy approximately 12 hours in advance if a hurricane is going to strongly impact Rhode Island. This does not give most boat owners enough time to remove their boats from the water, so most will double up lines to secure their boats at a dock or mooring, (Rooney, pers. comm.) or find safer refuge in the Bay. Marinas are easily overloaded with requests for boats to be hauled out during a relatively short period of time.

When Hurricane Bob struck in 1991, several boats were allowed behind the hurricane barrier. Unfortunately, the pilings failed when the hurricane barrier operation began to pump water and silt, thereby destabilizing the pilings and damaging boats (Uva, pers. comm.). This experience highlights the need to designate appropriate dock and mooring procedures, in addition to potential refuge, haul out, and storage options before a storm strikes the region. This can be done through municipal harbor plans or an agreement among municipalities.