BCREPC On Alert for Approaching Storm
- A high wind warning in effect for Cape Cod and the Islands from 6 p.m. Sunday evening to 6 a.m. Monday.
- Winds will be from the southeast 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 75 mph possible early Monday.
- Possible impacts include damage to trees, power lines, and property especially given that trees remain fully leafed.
- Power outages are expected.
- Take action to secure loose outdoor objects.
- Avoid walking or driving near trees.
The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) is on alert as a weather system races northward up the Eastern Seaboard today and passes through New England tonight, lifting into Canada on Monday. The storm will bring a period of very strong winds and heavy rain, with the worst of the weather focused during the overnight hours tonight to near dawn on Monday. In anticipation of the hazardous weather, the National Weather Service has hoisted a High Wind Warning and Flash Flood Watch.
While wind-driven torrential downpours are expected, leading to some areas of street flooding and hazardous travel, the main threat for our area is the wind. It is likely that the entire Cape will see wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph. Given most of our trees still have foliage, this will lead to some areas of tree/limb damage and thus some power outages around the area.
There is a short window of time in the pre-dawn hours on Monday when wind gusts in excess of 65 mph may develop across the area with the potential for hurricane force gusts to 75 mph, especially on the Outer Cape. Wind gusts to hurricane force would cause more widespread tree and limb damage and greater chances for power outages. Cape and Islands residents are encouraged to take note of these conditions, secure their properties prior to the storm’s arrival, and be prepared for power outages.
STATUS: The BCREPC Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) operated by the Barnstable County All Hazards Incident Management Team will be activated at 10 p.m. Sunday night.
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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.
Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC)
The BCREPC was founded in September 2002 to assist the communities on Cape Cod and the Town of Nantucket with addressing hazardous materials emergency planning and response as required by the federal government. Today, the BCREPC has expanded its scope to include “All Hazard” emergency planning issues such as storm response, sheltering and grants management. The BCREPC is a coalition of emergency management, law enforcement, fire service, health care, public health, public works, EMS, military, and numerous other affiliated agencies as outlined by the Massachusetts State Emergency Response Committee (SERC). It represents the towns of Barnstable, Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Harwich, Mashpee, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro, Wellfleet, and Yarmouth in Barnstable County, and the town of Nantucket in Nantucket County. The REPC is coordinated by the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment. Visit www.bcrepc.org
Barnstable County Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC)
The Barnstable County Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) assists Cape Cod towns during regional emergencies. The MACC serves as a clearinghouse for regional resource requests and supports the regional emergency shelter system when it is activated. When regional resources are unavailable or exhausted, the MACC elevates requests for assistance to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). The MACC coordinates with a number of agencies and organizations including town emergency operations centers, utility companies, healthcare facilities, regional transportation operations, the Massachusetts National Guard, the American Red Cross, the Cape Cod Citizen Corps Council, and other non-governmental organizations.
Barnstable County All Hazards Incident Management Team
The Barnstable County All Hazards Incident Management Team operates the MACC under the authority of the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee. A component of the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee, the Barnstable County All Hazards Incident Management Team was established in 2005 is composed of volunteers from both the public and private sectors. The highly trained team follows FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) standards and operates within the framework of the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
