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EMERGENCY PLANNING > REPC Featured > Media Alert 002: BCREPC Coordinates Unified Response to Weekend Nor’easter  

Media Alert 002: BCREPC Coordinates Unified Response to Weekend Nor’easter  

Published on: January 28, 2022

Information from the 

Barnstable County Emergency Planning Committee

 

              

         Media Alert 002: 

BCREPC Coordinates Unified Response to Weekend Nor’easter 

3 Regional Shelters likely to open across Cape Cod 

 

January 28, 2022 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) met at 10: 00 AM on Friday morning to continue plans for a regional response to this weekend’s winter storm.

OVERVIEW/SITUATION

  • Blizzard Warning in effect for all of 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 anticipated 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
  • Minor to moderate coastal flooding anticipated, especially northeast-facing areas
  • Hurricane-force wind gusts 75 + MPH expected on Cape Cod
  • Power outages are possible
  • Dangerous conditions for mariners – seas 25-30 feet offshore   

PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY

BARNSTABLE COUNTY MULTI-AGENCY COORDINATION CENTER (MACC) STATUS

The Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) will activate Friday night or early Saturday morning. It will be ready to help 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 is currently working with state police and DCR to source high water rescue vehicles if needed.    

UTILITIES | COMMUNICATIONS

Eversource, National Grid, Verizon, Comcast, and Open Cape are prepared for the storm and have secured additional external crews strategically placed on the Cape and Islands to respond to outages and handle storm-related damage afterward.

IMPORTANT UPDATE ON SHELTERING 

It is likely that three out of six regional shelters, Barnstable Intermediate School, Nauset High School, and Falmouth High School, will activate. However, it is not decided if this will be pre-impact or post-impact. The remaining shelters will be on standby status. Check OPEN/CLOSED status of shelters at https://www.bcrepc.org/

The BCREPC wants to emphasize that while these shelters will likely be activated, COVID 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. Those going to a shelter are encouraged to bring their own masks, but there will be masks available at the shelters.

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 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.

About Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee: The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) is a coalition of 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 mission of the BCREPC is to harness the power of planning, cooperation, and interoperability to assist Cape Cod communities in mitigating the threat from any hazard which may require the response of multiple jurisdictions.

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