Locals Prepare for Hurricane Irene

While hype continues to swirl about Hurricane Irene possibly shaking the Seacoast area to its core Sunday with devastating winds, many area residents said they aren't worried because they've seen these weather patterns before.

"We saw a hurricane come through last year, and it was just a spoof," said Keith Blinn, an employee at . "It was just a rainstorm, and it wasn't that bad at all.

"I don't know if it's going to be as bad as everyone says. We'll see. There's been a lot of hurricanes and high mile-per-hour winds come through here often, so people are pretty well prepared."

Police and other emergency officials said Thursday they're hoping that preparedness will get them through the storm unscathed, or at least minimize the impact.

Chief Brian Page said his department had multiple meetings Thursday with fire officials as well as officials from Hampton and elsewhere in the state to review emergency management plans and discuss the likely scenarios this weekend.

Page said Sunday "could be significant" because the National Weather Service is estimating winds could be between 73 and 90 miles per hour.

Page also said there could be up to 8 inches of rain, which he said could cause roads between Woodland Road and Ocean Boulevard to flood. Because of this, he said any residents in close proximity to the coastline should take extra precautions.

"The roads always get washed out," said Page, who recommended residents stockpile plenty of water and batteries and prepare like they would for a blizzard. "They always get flooded, so we're encouraging people to go stay with family inland if they can do that."

Officials aren't currently recommending an evacuation, although that decision could be reached should the storm be severe enough.

Hampton Fire Chief Chris Silver said his department spent the day preparing for local flooding and moving items off the floor, which he encouraged residents to do as well.

Silver said the department is also preparing to relocate to Winnacunnet Road any non-essential vehicles as well as its communications. He said they "will leave the open as long as [they] can."

Ross Kunkel, a manager at surf shop, said the business plans to stay open despite the flooding risks, although he said the business has pushed its annual end of the summer sale to Sept. 3 and he said he expected there to be few surfers around on Sunday.

Kunkel said the latter is a good thing, though, as he recommended no one attempt a catch a wave Sunday because the conditions are "too dangerous" and won't be conducive to good waves.

"It's not a good idea," said Kunkel, who added that safer conditions midday Monday should bring plenty of "good, clean fun," even if the waves aren't big. "[The waves on Sunday] are not going to be surfable and it won't be safe on shore because of the high wind. I wouldn't advise it. It's not worth the risk." 

Blinn said it also might not be worth the risk to leave boats in the water, and he said he planned to remove his boat, which is currently docked at the marina.

He said parts of the marina are well-protected thanks to rocks and wooden barriers, although he recommended boat owners be extra cautious this weekend and find a good way to utilize the time out of the water.

"Some people like to take their boats out of the water and do a little bottom work and usual maintenance [during storms]," said Blinn. "If they're going to pull out for a few days, it's good to do that."

Page said his department and others will send out periodic Facebook and Twitter updates about the storm and any possible warnings.

Aside from using these mediums as well as town and weather websites to keep residents informed, Page said officials can really do just one thing as Irene makes its way north.

"We're waiting to see how bad it's going to get," he said.