Cape Cod resident puts American flag back up after Lee knocks it down

CHATHAM, Mass. (WLNE) — A Cape Cod resident who got up extra early on Saturday to watch the impact of Lee at Chatham Harbor restored an American flag that was knocked down by wind.

Harwich resident Tom Birch told ABC 6’s Kaitlin Gehlhaus he watched the waves wake up with the fun as they crashed on the barrier near the lighthouse.

“I’m the official-unofficial keeper of the flag out there, and I noticed that the flag had blown down out there, I brought it back up and put it on this pole,” he said.

Lee, now a post-tropical storm, brings harsh winds to Chatham Harbor on Cape Cod, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (WLNE)

Fallen tree limbs and trash can lids were scattered along Cape Cod and the Islands as Lee made its way north to Canada. The area saw lots of wind and some rain.

“I think we’re gonna get spared because it gave us a wide birth, it went out to sea a little bit, so we’re just gonna get the counter-clockwise wind, probably,” Birch said.

Lee, which lessened to a post-tropical storm, is not expected to make landfall in Rhode Island or Massachusetts.

The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory for coastal New England through 8 a.m. on Sunday.

Those out watching Lee are reminded to be careful and stay aware of their surroundings.