February 13th Winter Storm: Situational Report #003–FINAL REPORT
Date of Release: February 13, 2024
Time of release: 5:15 PM
Incident or Event Overview:
Situation
Cape Cod and the Islands are experiencing the subsiding impacts of a coastal winter storm. A Winter Storm Warning and a Coastal Flood Warning remain in effect into the evening hours of Tuesday, February 13th. Snow accumulations up to 8” of heavy, wet, snow are being reported Cape-wide, as well as scattered power outages and tree damage.
The Barnstable County MACC opened on Tuesday, February 13, at 7:00 AM. Staff will continue to be available should any post-impact needs arise.
The REPC last convened at 4:00 PM on Tuesday morning, February 13. This is the final meeting and final situational report for this event.
Impacts/Potential Impacts
- The storm system has moved to our southeast and is pulling away. While snow continues to fall on the Outer Cape and Nantucket, it is beginning to taper off on the Mid- and Upper- Cape.
- The storm will be fully offshore by 6:00 PM.
- Snow accumulations were reported to be anywhere between 4” to 8”.
- Temps overnight into tomorrow will be in the mid-20s early 30s.
- Minor coastal flooding may occur during the Wednesday morning high tide.
Updates from Agencies/Utilities
As of 4:00 PM on Tuesday, the Eversource outage map showed 14,724 outages Cape-wide. With ample resources at the ready, line and tree crews have been deployed to problem areas. Eversource anticipates that all outages will be resolved by Tuesday evening.
Regional Shelter Update
Although not anticipated, any need for post impact sheltering will be assessed should the need arise. Volunteer agencies are on standby to assist if necessary.
Weather Forecast Overview
Advisories, Watches, and Warnings
- Winter Storm Warning (set to expire at 7 PM Tuesday)
- Coastal Flood Warning (warning is set to expire at 5:00 PM this afternoon; a coastal flood advisory is in effect from 1AM to 4 AM EST, Wednesday, February 14th)
- The high wind warning has expired.
MEMA Operations
MEMA’s Eastern and Western Regional Emergency Operations Centers (REOCs) activated at 7:00 AM on Tuesday and will be close this afternoon at close of business. Local Coordinators have been actively monitoring the situation and making proactive outreach to communities as the storm progresses through the Commonwealth.
MEMA Situational Awareness Statement #3 – Final SAS for this event
Preparedness and Safety Information
- People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches.
- Avoid driving while snowplows and utility crews work to clear the roads and restore service to customers. Use extreme caution if you must drive. Keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
For more tips on winter storm preparedness, visit: It’s Time to Get Winter Ready – Barnstable County (capecod.gov)
Community Information and Updates
- Duffy Health Center’s “In from the Streets” program activated yesterday morning (2/12) to accommodate sheltering needs for homeless individuals. Anyone who needs support during the storm should report to Saint Joseph’s House for intake.
- Steamship Authority: Check travel advisories at Travel Status for Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket Ferry | The Steamship Authority.
- Hyline: Check travel advisories at Hy-Line Cruises: Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard High-Speed Ferries (hylinecruises.com)
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
Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning webpage Emergency Planning Committee Archive – Barnstable County (capecod.gov)
Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Facebook page Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee | Facebook
Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Twitter Barnstable County REPC (@bcrepc) / Twitter
Barnstable County Main Facebook Barnstable County Government | Facebook
Barnstable County Main Twitter Barnstable County Government (@CapeCodGov) / Twitter
Barnstable County Main Website Home – Barnstable County (capecod.gov)
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency www.mass.gov/mema
MEMA Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA
MEMA Twitter @MassEMA
Mass211 www.mass211.org
Federal Emergency Management Agency www.fema.gov
National Weather Service Boston/ Norton, MA www.weather.gov/boston
National Weather Service/Albany, NY www.weather.gov/albany
National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov
National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center www.spc.noaa.gov
Northeast River Forecast Center www.weather.gov/nerfc/
National Hurricane Center www.nhc.noaa.gov
