Blizzard responsible for major erosion to MA coast

BOSTON (AP) - In addition to the short-term inconveniences of power outages and school cancellations, the blizzard that struck Massachusetts had more long-term ramifications, including severely eroded beaches and uninhabitable homes.

Many communities on Cape Cod have reported that 15 to 20 feet of beach disappeared. The steep bluffs from Eastham to Truro suffered some of the most visible erosion.

State and local officials received reports of uninhabitable or washed away homes in Plymouth, Sandwich, Scituate and Hull.

North of Boston, homes on Plum Island cling precariously close to cliffs, while Salisbury beach suffered severe erosion.

Some coastal erosion is expected during nor'easters, but experts say the latest blizzard was particularly damaging.

Chris Miller, natural resources director in Brewster, tells The Boston Globe that longtime residents have never seen anything this bad.