Media Alert 003: BCREPC is Prepared and Ready for Weekend Nor’Easter
Information from the
Barnstable County Emergency Planning Committee
Media Alert 003:
BCREPC is Prepared and Ready for Weekend Nor’easter
Important Update on Activation of Regional Emergency Shelters
January 28, 2022 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) met at 4: 00 PM on Friday afternoon to continue plans for a regional response to this weekend’s winter storm.
WEATHER OUTLOOK REMAINS CONSISTENT
· Blizzard Warning in effect for 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 predicted 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
· Snow total expected 18-24” on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, 12-18” on Nantucket
· Nantucket may see rain mixing in with snow at times
· Minor to moderate coastal flooding anticipated, especially northeast-facing beaches
· Hurricane-force wind gusts 75 + MPH are expected on Cape Cod and Islands at times
· Dangerous conditions for mariners – seas 25-30 feet offshore
· Power outages are possible
· Cold temperatures in teens on Sunday
PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY
BARNSTABLE COUNTY MULTI-AGENCY COORDINATION CENTER (MACC) STATUS The Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) will activate tonight at 11:00 pm to assist 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 has sourced high water rescue vehicles if needed.
The Cape Cod Emergency Traffic Plan (CCETP) will activate at 8:00 am on Saturday. This is not a full evacuation plan, but measures will be taken to ensure that hospital patients can travel to Cape Cod Hospital safely.
UTILITIES | COMMUNICATIONS
Eversource, National Grid, Verizon, Comcast, and Open Cape are prepared for the storm and have secured additional external crews. These crews will be strategically placed on the Cape and Islands to respond to outages and handle storm-related damage afterward.
(3) SHELTERS TO OPEN ON SATURDAY
Three shelters will open at 6:00 am on Saturday:
· Barnstable Intermediate School – 895 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis 02601
· Nauset High School – 100 Cable Rd., Eastham 02642
· Falmouth High School – 874 Gifford St., Falmouth 02540
Shelters will be staffed by 24 AmeriCorps Cape Cod Members and the Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps. All three locations will 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 will be on standby.
Check OPEN/CLOSED status of shelters at https://www.bcrepc.org/
The Tribal Headquarters in Mashpee will be open for Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Members to shelter.
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.
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 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.
· Refer to a power outage map at http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html
· Safety and preparedness tips for nor’easters and coastal storms: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/noreaster-coastal-storm-safety-tips
· Power outage preparedness and safety information: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/power-outage-safety-tips
· Flood safety tips: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/flood-safety-tips
· Personal preparedness tips and additional storm preparedness resources are provided at www.bcrepc.org.
· Follow BCREPC and Barnstable County social media
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.
MEDIA CONTACTS | BCREPC Public Information Officers:
Sonja Sheasley, Communications Manager Sonja.sheasley@capecod.gov (508) 375-6896
Bethany Traverse, Health Communications Coordinator bethany.traverse@capecod.gov (508) 375-6844
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