Residents: Plum Island OK as storm moves away

NEWBURY, Mass. -- It was a wet and windy overnight with the strong storm pounding Plum Island, but by daybreak on Friday, those drenching rains were done.

Residents, who usually ride out coastal storms with their fingers crossed hoping for the best, were relieved.

“I had my roof shingles on this morning. I’ve put my third roof on in 15 years. I didn’t want to do it again,” said Bob Wik, a concerned homeowner.

It’s been a race against time as crews have been rushing to wrap up a federally funded $5 million dredging project at the Merrimack River. The project called for workers to pump in 100,000 yards of sand to extend the beach that has been eroding over the years.

Recently, one house was swallowed up by the sea while others are close to collapsing.

One resident said extending the shore was critical.

“They need to do it every four to seven years. They haven’t done it in over 10 years. So, they need to do it more often. It’s just, the funding wasn’t there,” said Mark Abruzzi, a concerned homeowner.

The rains tapered off but the howling winds remained persistent into the afternoon. Even so, residents feel like they dodged a bullet on this storm, calling it a new lease on their teetering homes.

“This is good. This is good. I think we’re all pleased that the island is looking like it is, and it’s withstood,” said Karen Wilson, a concerned homeowner.

No more rain is expected in the area until late next week.

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