NEWBURY, Mass. (WHDH) -- Residents of Plum Island are bracing for severe beach erosion and anticipating the worst. They're backfilling huge sand bags to save their homes ahead of Friday’s storm.

“We're very concerned, the homeowners have worked very hard in this area to protect their homes, and the town has worked to be helpful any way we can,” said Jeff Walker, selectman.

The Newbury town administrator is planning to establish an emergency center in the buildings next to town hall.

“I think we're all very concerned at this point in time. We’ve have the emergency management agency activated, we’ve started our briefings. We’re just in a holding pattern right now,” said Tracy Blais, Newbury town administrator.

One road is the only way on and off Plum Island. Authorities expect the storm surge to wash it out, locking residents in.

“We live in Plum Island, we're prepared for just about anything,” said Bob Connors, a Plum Island resident.

The town says police and fire will be stationed on the island, which calms residents' nerves for the time being.

“I have a 5-month-old daughter, so it's good to know they're there. In case anything -- in case we go without power for any extended period of time,” said Adam Armstrong, a Plum Island resident.

The Plum Island airport is hunkered down as well. Residents say they won’t assess the situation until Sunday morning.