BCREPC SitRep #002 | Winter Storm Update | Published February 22, 2026 | 11:30 AM
Incident or Event Overview
Situation
Since the previous report, forecast confidence has increased and Blizzard Warnings have been issued for Barnstable and Dukes Counties.
• Blizzard Warning in effect for Barnstable County (Cape Cod) and Dukes County (Martha’s Vineyard).
• Winter Weather Advisory in effect for Nantucket County.
• Coastal Flood Warning in effect for portions of Nantucket and east-facing shorelines, with moderate flooding possible during Monday tide cycles.
• The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) convened a second regional coordination call this morning with approximately 200 participants representing local, county, state, nonprofit, and utility partners.
• National Weather Service guidance indicates blizzard conditions are expected across Cape Cod beginning Sunday evening and continuing through Monday evening, with heavy wet snowfall, damaging northeast winds, coastal flooding potential, and widespread power outages possible.
• The storm is rapidly strengthening off the Mid-Atlantic coast and is forecast to track near the benchmark before passing east of Cape Cod Monday afternoon and evening.
• Regional partners have escalated readiness actions across all major lifelines, including utilities, healthcare, sheltering, transportation, public safety, and communications.
• This report provides updated situational awareness based on the latest meteorological briefing and partner coordination updates.
Impacts/ Potential Impacts
Snowfall
Forecast guidance indicates widespread significant snowfall across Cape Cod, with totals refined as follows:
o Upper Cape (near the bridges): approximately 18–20 inches
o Mid-Cape: approximately 18 inches
o Lower Cape: approximately 15 inches
o Immediate outer coastline (Chatham, Eastham): approximately 12 inches, with minor adjustments possible depending on mixing
o Nantucket: Lower snowfall totals expected compared to Cape Cod, with potential for some mixing during peak storm conditions
Snowfall is expected to be heavy, wet, and adhesive in nature, increasing risk of tree and powerline damage. Snowfall rates of 2–3 inches per hour are possible during peak intensity Monday.
Timing and Travel Impacts
o Snow expected to begin Sunday evening between approximately 8:00–9:00 PM.
o Peak impacts anticipated Monday morning after sunrise through mid-afternoon (approximately 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM).
o Snow may continue into Monday evening, with gradual improvement late Monday night (~11:00 PM).
o Blizzard conditions are expected across Cape Cod, defined as sustained or gusty winds ≥35 mph with visibility ≤0.25 mile for at least three consecutive hours.
o Dangerous travel conditions are likely Monday, with whiteout conditions possible at times.
Wind and Power Impacts
o Widespread wind gusts near 70 mph are possible across Cape Cod.
o Isolated hurricane-force gusts are possible on Nantucket and the Outer Cape.
o Strongest winds expected Monday morning through early afternoon.
o Heavy wet snow combined with strong winds significantly increases the risk of downed trees and power lines.
o Utilities anticipate potentially widespread outages. Current projections suggest restoration efforts could extend 48–72 hours in hardest-hit areas, depending on damage severity and safe working conditions.
Coastal Impacts
o Moderate coastal flooding is possible, particularly on Nantucket during Monday tide cycles.
o Hyannis Harbor may experience moderate flooding during the early morning (~4:00 AM) tide due to low-pressure water rise.
o Minor splash-over is possible along additional east- and north-facing shorelines.
o Timing of peak winds relative to high tide remains under evaluation; small timing shifts could affect flooding severity.
Cold Temperatures
o Temperatures may fall into the teens Tuesday night.
o A warming trend midweek (upper 30s to low 40s) is expected to aid gradual snowmelt.
Utilities, Health, and Transportation Readiness (Cape Cod & Islands)
Utility providers report extensive preparations underway:
o Eversource has upgraded to a Level 3 Emergency Response Plan statewide, reflecting the potential for 70,000–140,000 customer outages and restoration periods of 48–72 hours. Additional crews have been staged on Cape Cod, including pre-positioned troubleshooters on the Outer Cape. Municipal liaisons will begin outreach at 8:00 PM Sunday.
o National Grid has declared a Type 3 event and deployed additional line and tree crews to Nantucket. Gas operations personnel are on call throughout the event.
o Utilities have requested municipal coordination for snow removal and sanding near work sites to support restoration efforts.
o Cape Cod Healthcare reports facilities are operational and preparing for storm impacts. Outpatient services are expected to be limited Monday, with focus on hospital operations. EMS agencies have been reminded that hospital transports should be limited to medically necessary cases.
Transportation partners report readiness actions:
o Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority services and offices will be closed Monday.
o Steamship Authority service will be suspended Monday and may cease operations early Sunday evening as winds increase.
o Local Departments of Public Works and public safety agencies report full readiness for snow and roadway response.
o Residents are reminded to report outages directly to their utility provider.
Residents are reminded to report power outages directly to their utility provider.
Regional Shelter Update & Sheltering and Vulnerable Populations
o Nauset Regional Shelter (Eastham) will open at 6:00 PM Sunday as a pre-event shelter.
o Additional regional shelter status will be updated following the 4:00 PM coordination call.
o American Red Cross is pre-staging resources across the state.
o Duffy Health Center and partner agencies are coordinating hotel placements for vulnerable individuals; demand currently exceeds available capacity.
o Family Table Collaborative will provide food support to shelters beginning tonight.
o Public Health Nursing has secured RN staffing for potential shelter operations in Upper, Mid, and Outer Cape regions.
o AmeriCorps Cape Cod has 18 members available to support shelter and MACC operations, with additional post-response staffing available.
o Regional emergency management officials continue assessing vulnerable population needs.
MEMA Operations
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is actively coordinating with regional partners.
State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and Regional EOCs will activate Monday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
MEMA will have a representative at the Barnstable County Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC).
Barnstable County’s Multi-Agency Coordination Center will activate at 5:00 PM Sunday and remain open while any regional shelter is operating. All resource requests should route through the MACC for coordination and escalation as needed.
Preparedness and Safety Information
Residents are encouraged to:
o Complete preparations before snowfall begins Sunday evening.
o Avoid unnecessary travel Monday.
o Prepare for potential power outages lasting multiple days.
o Charge devices and ensure adequate food, water, and medication supplies.
o Secure outdoor items.
o Check on neighbors, older adults, and medically vulnerable individuals.
o Residents who rely on electricity for medical equipment such as oxygen should prepare now for possible extended outages and consider alternate shelter options or backup power arrangements.
o Monitor official forecasts and emergency information sources.
Community Information and Updates
Shelter openings, warming centers, and municipal emergency information will be shared through town channels and regional partners.
Transportation service changes will be communicated directly by CCRTA and maritime operators.
Utility providers will issue outage and restoration updates through official channels.
Regional updates will continue through Barnstable County and BCREPC communication platforms following each coordination call.
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
