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MAIN BARNSTABLE COUNTY > MAIN COUNTY FEATURED NEWS > Hurricane Lee: Situational Report #001

Hurricane Lee: Situational Report #001

Published on: September 14, 2023

Date of Release: September 14, 2023

Time of release: 5:00 PM

Incident or Event Overview

Situation

The BCREPC held a storm coordination meeting Thursday, September 14th at 1:00 PM to discuss potential impacts to Cape Cod and the Islands from the approaching Hurricane Lee, as well as local preparedness measures and resources being mobilized at this time. The REPC has been meeting for forecast updates and pre-planning since Tuesday afternoon.

It is anticipated that the MACC will open late Friday evening or early Saturday morning depending on the storm track and arrival of tropical storm conditions. Equipment and resources have been put in place and staff are on standby for activation.

The next BCREPC meetings will take place Friday 9/15 at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Impacts/ Potential Impacts

  • National Hurricane Center guidance agrees with forecast models showing the hurricane tracking a bit further east than previously predicted. This may lessen impacts for Cape Cod and the islands to some extent, although officials are still planning for “worst case” conditions. Residents should continue to follow updates and monitor the forecast.
  • Tropical storm force winds (gusts of 40+ mph) are expected to arrive in our region Friday evening, around approximately 8:00 PM.
  • Peak winds will likely occur offshore of the Outer Cape. Residents Cape-wide should plan for 50 to 60 MPH wind gusts at the storm’s peak which is anticipated to occur Saturday morning around 8:00 AM. There is low potential for 70+ MPH wind gusts on the Outer Cape. Winds are expected to drop off significantly into Saturday evening.
  • 2-4” of rainfall are expected although there is still some uncertainty regarding rainfall totals which will depend on how closely Lee tracks to our west.
  • Coastal flooding is likely; location will depend on wind direction. While winds were initially forecast to come predominantly from the Northeast and impact Cape Cod Bay, a westerly wind component has been introduced due to the storm’s updated track. Wind direction will strongly influence the pattern of coastal flooding and will be watched closely as the storm approaches.
  • Dangerous surf and rip currents are anticipated with this storm.

Updates from Agencies/Utilities

Eversource: Declaring a type 3 ERP starting Friday at 4pm (Type 3 ERP prepares preemptively for 130K outages at storm peak with full restoration completed 72 hours after the storm has passed). Opening 4 EOC’s in eastern MA; a full liaison schedule is in place in case there is a need to deploy in the Cape towns. Regular emergency updates are being provided to local emergency officials.
National Grid: Crews/resources in place on standby.
Verizon: Have taken inventory of poles and other equipment needed for potential repairs. Generators have been tested.

Regional Shelter Update

The BCREPC is leaning towards a recommendation for post-impact sheltering if needed. Coordination is taking place across shelter partners and all shelter personnel are standing by. There are no plans for shelter openings pre-storm.

Weather Forecast Overview

Advisories, Watches, and Warnings

MEMA Operations

  • The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) will be operational 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM starting Saturday morning (9/16). 
  • A MEMA liaison will be deployed to the Barnstable County MACC when it activates.
  • MEMA will continue to monitor the situation and will disseminate additional Situational Awareness Statements (SAS) as necessary (cadence for this storm is 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM).
  • There are currently no plans to activate the emergency traffic plan or sheltering at Joint Base Cape Cod at this time.
  • Next briefing Friday at 3:00 PM.

Preparedness and Safety Information

The Coast Guard has requested that people remove their kayaks and canoes from the water to a location where they aren’t likely to flood. It is also recommended that, if possible, people remove their larger trailerable boats from the water as well. Secure all vessels or move them to a safe haven before the storm approaches.  

Residents in potential flood zones should take pictures of their homes and surrounding areas for insurance purposes in the event of water damage. Check Storm Tide Pathways Project (stormtides.org) for determination of flood risk.

Stay Informed

For additional information and updated forecasts, see www.weather.gov/boston (National Weather Service Norton) and www.weather.gov/albany (National Weather Service Albany)  

 Utilize MEMA’s real-time power outage viewer to stay informed about current power outages in your community and region, and across the state, including information from utility companies about restoration times: http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html .

Online Resources/Links

Weather Graphics