BCREPC winter storm planning update
At its 4 p.m. conference call, the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) reviewed the latest forecasts on the winter storm predicted to affect the area on Saturday. It was noted that the National Weather Service issued high wind and winter storm warnings Friday afternoon.
Winds are expected from the northeast at 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Snow accumulation of 6 to 10 inches is predicted with the highest amounts along the immediate south coast. Snow will develop by mid-morning Saturday and become heavy at times in the afternoon and evening. Snowfall rates up to one inch per hour will be possible at times. The gusty winds combined with the snow will possibly result in near-blizzard conditions at times with considerable blowing snow. The snow will begin to taper off after midnight Saturday night.
Given the forecast snow amounts and the moderation in temperature expected next week, the BCREPC determined that the Regional Shelter System would not be activated at this time. It did continue its request that Regional Shelter System partners remain on alert. The BCREPC will continue to monitor forecasts and reevaluate the situation on Saturday morning. Barnstable County Multi-agency Coordination Center (MACC) personnel have been put on stand-by.
The BCREPC advises the citizens of Barnstable County to be prepared for winter weather conditions and refrain from driving during the storm to enable highway crews to treat and clear the roads.
For information about preparedness and the Regional Shelter System visit the Barnstable County REPC website at www.bcrepc.org
Follow the BCREPC on Twitter @bcrepc.
Additional information on preparedness is available from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) at www.mass.gov/mema or the FEMA website at www.ready.gov or call 2-1-1. For specific local information, citizens should contact the emergency management office in their town.
