EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT > Archives_Situational Reports > Winter Storm Update | BCREPC Situational Report #002 | January 25, 2026 – 12:00 PM

Winter Storm Update | BCREPC Situational Report #002 | January 25, 2026 – 12:00 PM

Published on: January 25, 2026

Storm Overview

The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) has issued Situational Report #002 as a winter storm actively impacts Cape Cod and the Islands. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect, with snowfall beginning around 9:00 AM Sunday and expected to intensify through the afternoon and evening. The heaviest snowfall is expected late Sunday into early Monday, followed by a period of mixed precipitation overnight before colder air returns and precipitation transitions back to snow Monday morning.

What to Expect

Forecasts indicate dangerous conditions through tonight and into Monday:

Snowfall totals will vary by location due to storm track, banding, and the rain/sleet mix line. Current projections include:
- Near the bridges: 12–14 inches
- Upper and Mid-Cape: around 12 inches
- Lower Cape: 8–10 inches
- Outer Cape: totals may vary depending on mixing and banding
- Nantucket: approximately 6–7 inches, with greater potential for mixed precipitation
Travel: Dangerous travel conditions are likely, especially during periods of heavy snowfall and reduced visibility. The heaviest snowfall is expected Sunday afternoon through late evening, with lingering bands possible into Monday.
Wind: Wind gusts of approximately 35–45 mph are possible, particularly overnight. Brief near-blizzard conditions are possible near the coast, and minor drifting may occur.
Power: Snow and gusty winds may result in downed trees and scattered power outages, especially where snow becomes heavier and wetter.
Cold: Colder air returns after the storm, with temperatures dropping into the mid-teens by early Tuesday. Frostbite is possible on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes during periods of extreme cold.
Coastal: Significant coastal flooding is not expected at this time, though marine conditions will remain hazardous.

Regional Preparedness and Coordination

BCREPC is coordinating with local communities, public safety, utilities, healthcare providers, transportation partners, volunteer agencies, and state partners as the storm progresses. The Barnstable County Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) activates at 12:00 PM Sunday and will remain operational through Monday to support Cape Cod–specific coordination and resource needs.

Utilities, health, and transportation readiness:

Utility crews are staged and ready to respond as conditions allow. Residents should report outages directly to their utility, including single-home outages and situations where neighbors are restored but you are not.
Cape Cod healthcare facilities report they are fully staffed and prepared, with emergency power systems ready and snow removal crews staged to maintain safe access.
Local DPWs, MassDOT, and public safety partners report full operational readiness, including coordination to keep emergency routes to Cape Cod Hospital accessible.

Support for Vulnerable Populations

Emergency shelters are on standby for potential activation Monday, if needed.
Duffy Health Center’s In From the Streets program has proactively housed approximately 60 individuals for the duration of the storm.
Meals on Wheels is canceled Monday due to weather conditions; Elder Services will conduct client wellness check-ins as conditions allow.