Harbormaster Warns Of Dangerous Ice Conditions In Nantucket Harbor

As temperatures plunged ahead of last Sunday's snowstorm, Nantucket Harbor began to ice over along its edges and in shallow areas, including portions of the inner harbor, the Boat Basin, Town Pier, shoreline areas, and the head of the harbor.

As of Monday, ice coverage in the inner harbor has increased, Nantucket Harbormaster Sheila Lucey said on Tuesday.

Westerly winds have pushed some ice farther toward the head of the harbor, while Nantucket Sound remains clear at this time, she stated. Additional ice is forming in Madaket Harbor and Hither Creek due to shallow water conditions.

"The public is reminded that walking on saltwater ice is not safe," Lucey said. "Ice thickness is highly variable and unpredictable, particularly in tidal and brackish waters. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid ice-covered edges and use extreme caution near all waterfront areas. With cold temperatures expected to continue this week, icing conditions may worsen, increasing safety risks in the harbor. The Harbormaster’s Office is working closely with the United States Coast Guard to monitor conditions and support safe ferry operations. Communication with the Coast Guard occurs several times daily, and updates will be provided as conditions change. "