A potentially life-threatening storm is affecting the region Saturday with heavy snow, potential hurricane force wind gusts and coastal flooding. Check this article and scroll down for the latest storm coverage…take a live look at conditions at the Cape Cod Canal:
8 AM update: Couple of inches of snow have already fallen. Wind gust to 48 MPH at Provincetown Municipal Airport. Extensive power outages already being reported. All 6000 customers are out in Provincetown, 2,500 out in Orleans, 2,500 are out in Dennis, 2,000 in Bourne, 1,500 in Barnstable, 1,000 in Sandwich, 1,000 in Truro.
9 AM update: Wellfleet Police report a vehicle partially submerged at the Lieutenant’s Island Bridge. Operator is OK but vehicle is probably a total loss. Hyannis Firefighters are at the Cape Cod Mall after smoke was reported in the Shoe Dept. store. It was believed an electrical issue was to blame. Sandwich Police report some coastal roads there are flooded. 53 MPH wind gust in Dennis. 10,000 customers out in Barnstable, 8,000 out in Yarmouth. Orleans now has 4,000 out.
Latest satellite imagery depicts the center of low-pressure somewhere southeast of Nantucket where cloud cover is minimal. pic.twitter.com/P7EMuK05sW
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) January 29, 2022
10 AM update: Dramatic satellite photo of the eye like feature on the storm. Many roads impassable. Route 6A in Barnstable has flooding by the marsh and a large tree down across the road.
11 AM update: Multiple reports of trees down on wires. Eversource map now showing extensive outages in all downs with over 62,000 out at this hour. This includes 15,000 in Barnstable, 13,000 in Falmouth, 7,400 in Chatham and 6,000 in Provincetown. Sandwich Police report the following roads closed due to flooding or downed trees-Dewey Ave, Boardwalk Road, Samoset Road
Pimlico Pond Road, Route 6A from Scorton Creek to High Street in W. Barnstable, North Shore Blvd, Ploughed Neck Road, Boardley Road. Police advise that as the storm progresses to expect more road closures. Please stay home and stay safe.
CWN’s Matt Pitta was out reporting live:
12 PM update: Short video of West Barnstable Fire blocking off Church Street. Watch for the bunny rabbit that scurries across the street. 78 MPH wind gust reported by a buoy just off Chatham. Difficult to measure but about 7 inches of snow reported in both Bourne and Falmouth. Barnstable officials report as of 11:30 AM, conditions are still difficult, with significant winds and blowing snow. Forecast is calling for the storm to intensify during the afternoon, and then begin to diminish this evening. There are a number of trees and limbs down and associated wires. Please continue to stay off the roads if possible.
1 PM update: Reports of two snapped utility poles on Parker Road in West Barnstable. Numerous reports of trees and wires down. Many roads are impassable. The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee has issued an important update: The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) met at 10: 00 AM on Saturday morning to share information on current response to the weather event.
CURRENT CONDITIONS REMAIN CONSISTENT WITH FORECAST
• Blizzard Warning is underway for coastal Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard
• Peak storm activity occurring between 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM bringing 3-4 inches of snowfall per hour at times
• Winds continue to be intense with gusts up to 80 MPH reported
• Snow consistency has been heavier/wetter than expected
• Snow may get drier in the afternoon
• Coastal Flood Advisory issued earlier this morning, expires midnight tonight
• Cold temperatures still expected to be in the teens on Sunday
CURRENT STORM RESPONSE
BARNSTABLE COUNTY MULTI-AGENCY COORDINATION CENTER (MACC) STATUS The Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) activated at 11:00 PM Friday night. Throughout the storm event, MACC will be assisting 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) are working closely with the MACC throughout the storm event.
UTILITIES | COMMUNICATIONS
Many trees and wires are reported down across the region. Currently there are an estimated 61,242 homes on Cape Cod without power. Eversource typically releases the Global Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR) within 24-48 hours, followed by town specific ETR’s.
Please report power outages to Eversource by calling 800-592-2000 or National Grid at 800-548-8000.
Crews for all utilities have been dispatched and are actively working in the field monitoring storm-related damage and making restoration plans as safety allows.
(3) SHELTERS ARE OPEN
Three shelters opened at 6:00 AM today:
• Barnstable Intermediate School – 895 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis 02601
• Nauset High School – 100 Cable Rd., Eastham 02642
• Falmouth High School – 874 Gifford St., Falmouth 02540
All citizens seeking shelter at one of the open regional shelters, please exercise extreme caution while road conditions remain hazardous. Members of the public are advised to shelter in place, if able, until the wind and snow ease in the late afternoon/evening.
Shelters are staffed by 24 AmeriCorps Cape Cod Members, Members of Regional CERT Teams, and the Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps. All three locations 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 are on standby. Check OPEN/CLOSED status of shelters at https://www.bcrepc.org/
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.
The Tribal Headquarters in Mashpee will be open for Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Members to shelter.
Anyone who must utilize a shelter should bring at least three days of essentials, including 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 STAY INDOORS AND STAY OFF ROADS
The public is strongly encouraged to stay home and remain off the roads.
Barnstable Police show us whiteout conditions on Route 28 by the airport where several vehicles got stuck:
2 PM update: A tree reportedly came down on a house on Leona Road in Osterville causing damage but no injuries. 11 inches of snow in Hyannis. 80,000 customers with out power Cape wide. 20,000 of those are in Barnstable.
CWN’s Matt Pitta was live again:
4 PM update: As we transition into evening, a couple of safety reminders. Make sure the vents from, your heaters do not get blocked by snow. If you are lucky enough to have a generator make sure it doesn’t get clogged by snow or it will overheat and shut down. Wind gust to 81 MPH in Dennis, 12 inches of snow in Yarmouth. Power outages holding steady at a little over 80,000. Update from the town of Barnstable: Conditions are still difficult with the combination of drifting and blowing snow. There are a number of trees and limbs down and associated wires. Forecast is calling for the storm to remain intense during the afternoon. The heaviest snowfall is expected to end this evening with light to moderate snow persisting until midnight. There is a possibility of coastal flooding with the evening high tide. Please stay off of the roads if possible.
The big story at this hour is that as many probably expected, G.O.A.T. Tom Brady is retiring after 22 seasons.
