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[8:00 AM] July 9, 2021 | Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee Activates Multi-Agency Coordination Center

Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee Activates Multi-Agency Coordination Center  

Public is reminded to take safeguards as Tropical Storm Elsa passes over Cape Cod & the Islands today

July 9, 2021 (Barnstable, MA) – Members of the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) held a conference call on Friday morning, July 9, to review Tropical Storm Elsa’s current conditions and anticipated path. The BCREPC wants to reassure Barnstable County residents and visitors that a coordinated response continues to occur in our region and reminds the public to be prepared for high winds, rain, and power outages today.

BCREPC Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) was activated at 8:00 AM and is presently monitoring developments of Tropical Storm Elsa. The MACC is prepared to provide emergency resources to towns if needed. Currently, the BCREPC does not anticipate opening regional shelters unless there is a significant impact on the region.

Eversource has opened its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Yarmouth this morning and is prepared to respond to power outages in the region.

UPDATES AND GUIDANCE

Tropical Storm Elsa is moving from south to north, and its effects should be felt on Cape and Islands today beginning at approximately 9:30 AM and should wane at approximately 3:00 PM. The potential for dangerous marine conditions such as rough surf and rip currents, especially around the south coast of the Cape and Islands remains.

  • Winds likely from 50-55 mph, especially from the southeast. Enhanced wind gusts of 60-65 mph possible in some areas. Take action to secure loose outdoor objects.
  • Potential rainfall 2-4 inches
  • Heaviest rain will occur between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
  • Possible damage to trees, power lines, and property.
  • Strong likelihood of power outages.

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. Residents can also call 2-1-1. For specific local information, citizens should contact the emergency management office in their town.

ABOUT THE 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 BCREPC is coordinated by the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment. Visit www.bcrepc.org

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