Editor’s note: Check this article for information from local agencies on storm preparations and advisories.
BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE –
BCREPC is Prepared and Ready for Weekend Nor’easter
Important Update on Activation of Regional EmergencyShelters
January 28, 2022 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) met at 4: 00 PM on Friday afternoon to continue plans for a regional response to this weekend’s winter storm.
WEATHER OUTLOOK REMAINS CONSISTENT
- Blizzard Warning in effect for coastal Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard
- Significant snowfall is anticipated for Cape Cod and the Islands beginning late tonight through Saturday
- Heavy/wet snow anticipated for Lower and Outer Cape; drier snow predicted for Upper Cape
- Snow is anticipated to begin midnight Friday and intensify Saturday morning at approximately 6:00 am to 7:00 am; travel will be difficult at this time
- Snowfall is expected to intensify Saturday afternoon with possible rates of 3-4 in/hr. at times and tapering between 9:00 pm and 10:00 pm
- Snow total expected 18-24” on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, 12-18” on Nantucket
- Nantucket may see rain mixing in with snow at times
- Minor to moderate coastal flooding anticipated, especially northeast-facing beaches
- Hurricane-force wind gusts 75 + MPH are expected on Cape Cod and Islands at times
- Dangerous conditions for mariners – seas 25-30 feet offshore
- Power outages are possible
- Cold temperatures in teens on Sunday
PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY
BARNSTABLE COUNTY MULTI-AGENCY COORDINATION CENTER (MACC) STATUS The Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) will activate tonight at 11:00pm to assist towns and local agencies with resources, information, and regional coordination during and post-storm. Representatives from utilities, communications, and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will be present at the MACC throughout the storm event. MEMA has sourced high water rescue vehicles if needed.
The Cape Cod Emergency Traffic Plan (CCETP) will activate at 8:00 am on Saturday. This is not a full evacuation plan, but measures will be taken to ensure that hospital patients can travel to Cape Cod Hospital safely.
UTILITIES | COMMUNICATIONS
Eversource, National Grid, Verizon, Comcast, and Open Cape are prepared for the storm and have secured additional external crews. These crews will be strategically placed on the Cape and Islands to respond to outages and handle storm-related damage afterward.
(3) SHELTERS TO OPEN ON SATURDAY
Three shelters will open at 6:00 am on Saturday:
- Barnstable Intermediate School – 895 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis 02601
- Nauset High School – 100 Cable Rd., Eastham 02642
- Falmouth High School – 874 Gifford St., Falmouth 02540
Shelters will be staffed by 24 AmeriCorps Cape Cod Members and the Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps. All three locations will have emergency food available, provided by the Salvation Army.
The remaining shelters at Dennis-Yarmouth High School, Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, and Nantucket High School will be on standby.
Check OPEN/CLOSED status of shelters at https://www.bcrepc.org/
The Tribal Headquarters in Mashpee will be open for Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Members to shelter.
The BCREPC wants to emphasize that during shelter operation, COVID-19 remains a significant concern. Residents and visitors should reach out to family and friends first and access shelters only when other options are not available. Likewise, the public is asked to check on neighbors, relatives, and friends who may need assistance.
Masks are required at emergency shelters. People are encouraged to bring their own, but masks will also be available for anyone who needs them.
Anyone who must utilize a shelter should bring at least three days of essentialsincluding all medications.
Shelters can accommodate people who use an oxygen breathing apparatus.
Those bringing infants or toddlers to the shelters should also bring formula, food, diapers, wipes, changes of clothing, toys, and a “pack ‘n play” or portable crib and bedding.
Pets are accepted at all regional shelters. Please bring all your pet supplies to the shelter except for crates, which are provided by the shelter. You cannot sleep with your pet(s).
PUBLIC URGED TO PREPARE/PLAN FOR WEATHER EVENT
The public is strongly encouraged to prepare accordingly for the potential effects of this storm, including power outages. If you are experiencing a power outage, contact Eversource directly. Call 800-592-2000.
- Refer to a power outage map at http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html
- Safety and preparedness tips for nor’easters and coastal storms: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/noreaster-coastal-storm-safety-tips
- Power outage preparedness and safety information: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/power-outage-safety-tips
- Flood safety tips: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/flood-safety-tips
- Personal preparedness tips and additional storm preparedness resources are provided at www.bcrepc.org.
- Follow BCREPC and Barnstable County social media
CAPE COD HEALTHCARE – Due to the winter storm warning currently in effect for our region, Cape Cod Healthcare (CCHC) has implemented the following updates for Saturday, January 29, 2022:
Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital will remain OPEN. However, all CCHC Urgent Care centers in Falmouth, Harwich, Hyannis and Sandwich as well as the remainder of CCHC outpatient facilities and services will be closed on Saturday, January 29, 2022, for the safety of our patients and staff.
Additional updates will be provided at www.capecodhealth.org/storm
U.S. COAST GUARD: The National Weather Service is warning of potentially significant impacts associated with the approaching storm from the evening of January 28 to the morning of January 30, 2022 to include the following:
· Significant snowfall
· Minor to moderate coastal flooding
· Strong northeast winds predicted of 50 mph up to 60+ mph near Cape Cod
· Possible power outages
· Dangerous conditions for mariners with offshore seas of 25-30 feet
· Dangerous conditions for mariners in the bays and sounds with seas of 5-10 feet
The Coast Guard’s First District is urging the public to exercise extreme caution and strongly advising boaters against operating in these adverse weather conditions. Significant weather can degrade and delay the Coast Guard’s response time, so it is important for the public to take every precaution necessary to preserve their own safety.
The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio, and the internet. Boaters are advised to double up on mooring lines for vessels that have not been removed for the winter season. Kayaks, paddle boards and other small craft should be secured as to not be blown into the water during the high winds and accidentally activating the search and rescue system.
Please report any incidents affecting navigable waterways to your local Coast Guard command center via VHF radio channels 16 or 22, or via phone at (617) 223-8555.
Eversource trucks staged at a hotel in Yarmouth
EVERSOURCE – With the track of this weekend’s powerful snowstorm still uncertain, Eversource is preparing for whatever the storm may bring. The heavy snowfall and high winds expected late Friday night into Saturday can bring down trees or tree limbs onto electric lines and equipment causing power outages. In advance of the storm, the energy company is strategically prepositioning equipment and line and tree crews across the state – including hundreds of additional out-of-state crews – so they’re ready to respond quickly and safely to any storm-related outages.
“We’ve had a close eye on this storm since the beginning of the week and continue to carefully track its path using several weather services and storm models,” said Eversource Vice President of Electric Field Operations in Massachusetts Bill Ritchie. “This storm has been tough to track, and we aren’t leaving anything to chance. We have hundreds of crews flying in throughout the day today – and more arriving tomorrow – from southern and western parts of the country, so we don’t have to wait for them to drive here. They’ll be geared up and ready to respond to this storm alongside our Eversource crews. We also remind customers that restorations may take longer as we ensure the safety of our employees who will be responding in challenging road conditions.”
Eversource reminds customers to always stay clear of downed wires and to report them immediately to 9-1-1. Be sure to report any outage online at Eversource.com, or by calling 800-592-2000. Customers who signed up for the company’s two-way texting feature can send a text to report an outage and receive outage updates as they happen.
Customers are encouraged to prepare for the storm by assembling or restocking a storm kit which should include essentials like flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable foods, pet food and essentials and any needed medications. In addition, make sure cell phones and devices are full charged, create an emergency plan with family members and check on elderly neighbors and friends.
Additional preparedness tips can be found at Eversource.com.
CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE – In advance of a severe blizzard forecast to arrive on Cape Cod during the overnight hours of January 28-29, Cape Cod National Seashore Superintendent Brian Carlstrom has announced the following facility closures for visitor, resident, and employee safety: Salt Pond Visitor Center: Closed on Saturday, January 29 and Sunday, January 30. Beaches: Access points to all six national seashore beaches and parking lots will be closed beginning the afternoon of January 28. Roads: Province Lands Road in Provincetown and the Marconi Site Road in Wellfleet will be closed beginning the afternoon of January 28. Facility reopening will be dependent on the severity of the storm; damage assessments; and ability to clear roads, parking lots, and entrances to provide safe access.
This has the potential to be a catastrophic storm, with damaging wind; heavy, wet snow; and extended power outages. Seashore managers urge visitors and residents to stay abreast of local conditions and warnings, to respect facility closures, and to heed the direction of public safety officials.
Updates to seashore facilities will be provided at www.nps.gov/caco and via social media @CapeCodNPS.
PROVINCETOWN – The WINTER STORM EMERGENCY PARKING BAN will go into effect at 6:00pm tonight. Our residents and visitors should consider free off-street parking and ensure that the move their vehicle into one of the town owned parking lots this morning.
EMERGENCY SNOW ROUTES
All snowplowing areas are clearly posted during the winter months with signs displaying the wording, “Emergency Snow Route, Tow Away Zone, No Parking in the Event of Snowfall”.
Posted SNOW EMRGENCY streets include; Alden Street, Atlantic Avenue, Brewster Street, Center Street, Commercial Street, Conant Street (upper & lower), upper Cottage Street, Cudworth Street, Johnson Street, Miller Hill Road, Montello Street (upper & lower), Nickerson Street (upper & lower), Pearl Street (upper & lower), Pleasant Street, Pricilla Alden, Prince Street, Ryder Street, Standish Street (upper & lower), and West Vine Street. (upper is north of Bradford Street, lower is south of Bradford Street)
If you normally park on a designated (there are signs) emergency snow removal route, you should plan to move your car to a safe location NOW.
While we will not ticket or tow while they sand, in order to properly plow snow these streets must be clear of cars. By parking on a snow removal route, you are hindering our overall snow removal efforts, you also risk your vehicle being ticketed and towed away at your expense.
This parking ban will remain in effect until the storm event and snow management activities have concluded (but may be extended depending on snow totals)
The men and women of the Provincetown Police Department are here to help you with any situation. Please call us anytime at 508-487-1212.
IMPORTANT STORM RELATED CONTACTS:
FOR ANY EMERGENCY IN PROVINCETOWN: Call 911
PROVINCETOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT: non-emergency – 508-487-1212
PROVINCETOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT: non-emergency – 508-487-7023
PROVINCETOWN DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: 508-487-7074 Email [email protected]
EVERSOURCE: 1-800-592-2000
VERIZON: 1-800-837-4966
COMCAST: 1-800-266-2278
STAY WARM AND BE SAFE
TRURO – Due to severe weather and abundance of caution for predicted white out conditions, we are cancelling all programming and closing all town facilities tomorrow, Saturday, January 29th – including the transfer station.
WELLFLEET – Message from the Wellfleet Emergency Management Team:
The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting a substantial winter storm starting overnight Friday night and building throughout the day Saturday, January 29th. Forecast modeling can change in both amounts of precipitation and wind strength as NWS develops their guidance and the storm draws closer to New England. There is potential for significant snow accumulation and high winds. As of this morning a Blizzard Warning is in effect from 7 AM Saturday to 5 AM Sunday.
We are expecting travel on the roadways to become nearly impossible. Power outages are very likely. Please make your storm preparations today and have emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, food, and water on hand.
Please stay off the roads tomorrow and let Public Safety along with Public Works do their jobs as we are expecting a busy day. The Wellfleet Emergency Management team has been busy over the past few days preparing for the storm and will be transitioning into our storm response for the duration.
• People should be preparing for the storm by ensuring they have food, water, and other emergency supplies at hand with electronics fully charged and spare batteries if needed.
• People with medical needs should make sure their equipment is charged with enough supplies to get through the weekend.
• Check on neighbors and family that may need some extra help.
• Citizens encountering down wires should call 911 -Do not go near downed lines – they may be energized. Police or Fire personnel will respond to these calls and notify the appropriate utilities.
• Contact Eversource (Electric Company) to report any power outages at 1-800-592-2000.
• Check and ensure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
• Parking on Main Street is prohibited effective 9 PM Friday through Sunday evening so that we can effectively carry out snow removal operations. Town parking lots should also not be used unless absolutely necessary.
• The Wellfleet Transfer Station and Library will be closed on Saturday, January 29, 2022 due to the storm.
• A regional shelter will be opening at Nauset Regional High School opening at 6am on Saturday.
HARWICH – A significant winter storm is expected to impact Southern New England beginning around midnight Friday. A blizzard warning has been issued for our area, and residents should expect extended periods of heavy snowfall and high winds during the daylight hours on Saturday.
The potential for power loss is high. Outages may be extended as repairs will be delayed by the storm.
Residents should expect between 18 and 24 inches of snow, and poor road conditions throughout the weekend.
Residents that are concerned about not being able to leave their houses in the event the power goes out, should try and find alternative housing prior to the storm beginning. Limited regional sheltering will be available at some point during or after the storm, however COVID remains a concern for the safe operation of these shelters.
The Department of Public Works, The Police Department and the Fire Department have made appropriate preparations and are ready to deal with storm related issues. During the height of the storm, services may be delayed in responding.
All residents need to plan on staying home during the storm. All municipal buildings and operations are closed, and all in-person events are cancelled. All residents should plan ahead so that there is no reason to leave their residence until Sunday or Monday.
For power outages residents should contact Eversource at 1-800-592-2000.
The Town will share shelter information on websites and social media and an additional call will go out with sheltering information. You may also call the Police or Fire Departments directly for information.
The Town Administration wants Harwich Residents to be safe throughout this storm. Again, please refrain from going out until the DPW has had a chance to make the roads safe.
In the event of an emergency, residents should call 9-1-1.
CHATHAM – Your preparations for this weekend’s forecast winter storm should be well under way at this time.
High winds are predicted, and significant snow accumulation and coastal flooding are possible.
Please take steps to prepare for power outages – charge your phones/devices, check batteries in flashlights, radios, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Have spare batteries on hand.
People with medical needs should make sure their equipment is charged with enough supplies to get through the weekend.
Check on neighbors and family that may need some extra help.
If you live in an area that experiences coastal flooding during storms, please consider staying elsewhere for the weekend.
Please stay home and off the roads on Saturday unless absolutely necessary to allow our crews to keep them clear for emergency responders.
Citizens encountering down wires should call 911. Do not go near downed lines – they may be energized. Police or Fire personnel will respond to these calls and notify the appropriate utilities.
The Town of Chatham Emergency Management Team is prepared to respond to the community’s needs before, during, and after the storm. Town departments are in constant communication and work together to meet the needs of our community.
If conditions warrant, a Personal Care Site will open at the Community Center on Sunday after the storm passes to allow residents an opportunity to warm up and recharge their phones and other electronic devices. Please monitor official Town of Chatham, Chatham Fire Department, and
Chatham Police Department social media sites, Town of Chatham website, and local radio stations for more information.
For general storm related questions and concerns please call 508-945-5191.
For emergencies dial 9-1-1!
ORLEANS – Good Morning Orleans-
Weathers conditions continue to deteriorate. High Winds and Heavy snow are predicted to continue through the evening. Road crews are out working. Please stay off the roads and allow them to work.
As of 11 a.m. nearly 4000 Eversource customers are without power in Orleans. Public Safety officials continue to respond to trees and wires down. Eversource will begin repairs as soon as weather conditions are safe for them. We do not know when power will be restored currently.
There is an emergency shelter open at the Nauset Regional High School in Eastham.
Please report power outages to Eversource at 1-800-592-2000
Citizens encountering down wires should call 911. Do not go near downed lines – they may be energized. Police or Fire personnel will respond to these calls and notify the appropriate utilities
Barricades may be placed to block roads with hazardous conditions. Please do not drive around them!
Again, road conditions are hazardous. Please stay off the roads until the weather improves and the road crews have had time to work.
The Town of Orleans Emergency Management Team is prepared to respond to the community’s needs during, and after the storm. Town departments are in constant communication and work together to meet the needs of our community.
?For emergencies dial 9-1-1
Orleans Emergency Management officials are closely monitoring information and coordinating efforts to ensure public safety.
Update: Storm Closure Notices for Town of Orleans
Due to the blizzard conditions expected this weekend the following buildings and facilities are closed:
• Snow Library
• Transfer Station
• Community Center Bathrooms at 44 Main Street
Other Closures:
• Over-sand trails on Nauset Beach South and Nauset Spit will be closed effective 4 pm today January, 28, 2022. As soon as the post storm conditions can be assessed, updates will be provided.
• Effective sunset January 28, 2022, a state-wide shellfish closure is in effect until further notice.
DENNIS – Good Afternoon this is Dennis Police Lieutenant Peter Benson with information regarding the winter storm that will affect our area from Saturday until Sunday. The current forecast is for high winds and heavy snow which could lead to utility lines coming down and power outages. Please do not go near any downed power wires as they may still be electrified. If you see a wire that is down call 9 1 1. Please be sure you have reported any power outages to Eversource Energy by calling them at 1.800.592.2000.
Use 911 for emergencies only, for all other calls you can dial 508-394-1313.
BARNSTABLE – Due tot he expected winter storm and predicted snowfall amounts, the Town of Barnstable will be instituting a parking ban on all main streets beginning at 2 AM Saturday and continuing for the duration of the storm.
Please exercise caution during this weather event and stay off the roads whenever possible to allow for DPW crews to do their jobs and clear the roadways.
The town of Barnstable reminds people to call 911 only for emergencies. For non emergencies, the police can be reached at 508-775-0812. The Barnstable Town Storm Line is 508-863-INFO (4636).
SANDWICH – Due to DPW staffing shortages and limited private contractor availability, there may be delays in getting the roads cleared during and after the upcoming storm. If your road is not plowed please report this to the DPW by visiting https://seeclickfix.com/sandwich_2/report?locale=en
Important Phone Numbers
Emergency: 9-1-1
Sandwich Police: (508) 888-1212
Sandwich Fire: (508) 888-0525
Sandwich DPW: (508) 833-8002
Eversource: (800) 592-200
BOURNE – SNOW EMERGENCY PARKING BAN EFFECTIVE 8PM TODAY.
Blizzard and Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for our town. In accordance with the Town of Bourne’s Traffic Rules and Orders, and in consultation with the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works, a Parking Ban has been issued effective 8PM today, January 28th. The parking ban will continue until such time the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works has determined that the streets have been properly cleared. A notification will be issued through the Bourne Police Department Facebook Page once the Parking Ban has been lifted.
During the parking ban, vehicles are prohibited from parking along public ways in order to expedite plowing and sanding operations. Any vehicle found in violation of this parking ban after 8PM tonight is subject to ticketing and towing at the owner’s expense. Please allow us to concentrate our resources on other storm operations by removing your vehicles from any public ways prior to 8PM tonight.
Thank-you and continue to monitor local news outlets and our social media for updates regarding this storm.
MASHPEE – Due to the forecasted winter storm, the Town has issued a parking ban!
Effective starting at 9 pm tonight through 12 am Monday. Any vehicles in violation of the parking ban may be towed at the owner’s expense.
In addition, the Transfer Station will be closed tomorrow and will remain closed through Sunday morning. Every effort will be made to open Sunday afternoon. Call or check the website for updates.
The Town appreciates your anticipated cooperation so that we may effectively conduct our snow removal operations.
Attention Mashpee, Falmouth and Sandwich residents:
There will be a shelter open at Falmouth High School starting at 630 am Saturday, January 29th.
Warming Stations:
Falmouth – Gus Canty Community Center
Mashpe Police Department
Sandwich Police Department
Anyone that relies on power to run medical equipment please notify the Fire or Police Departments after you contact Eversource.
Eversource Contact # 1-800-592-2000
https://www.eversource.com/cg/customer/reportoutage
FALMOUTH – We understand that at present between 18” and 24” of snow is now predicted to fall beginning after midnight this evening and continuing through most of the day on Saturday. This will be accompanied by significant, sustained wind gusts which will create drifting conditions and present challenges for maintaining open roadways during the height of this winter storm tomorrow. All available public safety and public works resources will be available to support the Town of Falmouth during this storm. The Town will be routinely monitoring power outages and working closely with EverSource in responding as conditions permit.
The Town’s Emergency Operations Center will be operational as of 6AM on Saturday January 29th and can be reached at 508-495-2602. A reminder to residents that if you experience a power outage during the storm please contact Eversource directly at 800-592-2000. Please do not call the Police, Fire or Communications Departments to report power outages or inquire about when power will be restored.
The Town of Falmouth will be opening a warming center at the Gus Canty Community Center Building at 790 Main Street on both Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 8AM and 4PM. This warming center will not be available during the overnight hours. Outlets will be available for the charging of personal electronic devices if needed.
Barnstable County will be opening a regional overnight shelter at the Falmouth High School, 874 Gifford Street for residents of the Towns of Falmouth, Mashpee, and Sandwich. The shelter will open at 6:30AM on Saturday morning and will remain open until storm related services are no longer needed. While the shelter will be open, residents are encouraged to plan ahead for emergency needs and seek alternate shelter with family or friends first and access the regional shelter only when other options are not available. Based on the timing of the impending storm, residents who do need to utilize the High School overnight shelter are encouraged to plan on arriving no later than 7:00AM on Saturday, before the storm hits, as travel is expected to become difficult after that time. Transportation to the shelter is not available pre-storm but is anticipated to be available after the storm passes, when the roads are cleared for safe travel.
Anyone who must utilize the overnight shelter should bring at least three days of essentials, including all medications. The High School overnight shelter can accommodate people who use an oxygen apparatus. Those bringing infants or toddlers to the shelter should also bring formula, food, diapers, wipes, changes of clothing, toys, and a “pack ‘n play” or portable crib and bedding. Pets are accepted at all regional shelters. Please bring all your pet supplies to the shelter except for crates, which are provided by the shelter. You cannot sleep with your pet(s).
Please remember to check on elderly and disabled neighbors and to call 911 in the event of an emergency.
Note: Falmouth will be utilizing the FALMOUTH ALERTS system to provide updates to residents throughout the storm. If you would like to register for Falmouth Alerts please visit the Town Website and follow the links from the Emergency Communications, Fire or Emergency Preparedness pages.
Thank you and stay safe.
