BCREPC Releases Situational Report #008 February 25, 2026 (6:00PM)
February 25, 2026 — 6:00 PM
Incident or Event Overview
Situation
Barnstable County continues coordinated response and restoration operations following the historic winter storm that significantly impacted Cape Cod and the Islands.
Power restoration is progressing across the region, though significant impacts remain and shelter operations continue for residents without heat or safe conditions.
At this time, there are currently approximately 94,000 customers without power across Cape Cod, a significant decrease from earlier outage totals. Restoration efforts remain ongoing and are expected to continue through Friday in some areas depending on infrastructure damage and access conditions.
Regional coordination remains active through the Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC), with continued collaboration among county departments, municipalities, public safety agencies, utilities, nonprofit partners, and state agencies.
The next regional coordination call is scheduled for Thursday at 10:00 AM.
Travel
Residents are encouraged to limit travel where possible to allow utility and cleanup crews safe access to roadways, neighborhoods, and restoration sites.
While primary routes are largely passable, many secondary roads remain narrowed or partially obstructed by snowbanks, debris, and downed limbs. Travel should be limited to essential needs where possible.
Impacts
Power and Restoration
Power restoration continues steadily across Cape Cod with significant progress made throughout the day.
Approximately 94,000 customers remain without power. Utility crews continue working around the clock with additional mutual aid crews deployed across the region.
The global Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR) for substantially complete restoration remains 11:59 PM Friday, though many areas will see restoration sooner.
Residents should continue preparing for the possibility of multi-day outages in some neighborhoods, particularly where damage and access challenges remain.
Weather and Temperature Outlook
Temperatures are expected to remain above freezing into tonight, which will assist restoration and access efforts.
Quiet weather is expected over the next several days, though colder overnight temperatures later this week may create additional challenges for homes without power or heat.
Officials continue monitoring potential secondary impacts in homes that have been without heat for several days, including frozen or burst pipes as power returns.
Utilities, Health, and Transportation Readiness (Cape Cod & Islands)
Utilities
Utility crews continue restoration operations across all Cape communities with priority on:
- Regional shelters
- Critical infrastructure
- Public safety facilities
- Largest outage areas
Additional out-of-state crews are working throughout the region.
Communities are encouraged to continue working through embedded utility liaisons and to report critical facility power issues immediately.
Telecommunications
Telecommunications providers continue restoration efforts as power returns to infrastructure.
Wireless and internet service may remain inconsistent in some areas until full power restoration is complete.
Healthcare
Cape Cod Healthcare hospitals remain on normal power and operating at typical capacity.
Hospitals and healthcare partners continue coordinating safe discharge of patients to appropriate shelter settings when needed.
Residents are reminded that shelters are available for those without heat or safe conditions and that emergency rooms should be reserved for true medical emergencies.
Transportation
CCRTA transportation services continue supporting shelter operations and resource movement across the region.
- More than 200 individuals and approximately 20 pets have been transported to shelters or warming centers
- Service operating approximately 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- After hours, residents should contact local public safety for assistance
Residents needing transportation to a shelter may call:
508-385-1430 (Option 2)
Steamship Authority and regional transportation systems remain operational and are prioritizing emergency and restoration travel.
Regional Shelter Update & Sheltering and Vulnerable Populations
Shelter demand remains steady as restoration continues across the region, with additional sites opening to support residents without heat or safe conditions.
AmeriCorps Cape Cod, Red Cross volunteers, Medical Reserve Corps, and local partners continue supporting shelter staffing and operations. Volunteer rotation planning is underway as multi-day operations continue.
Regional Shelters Currently Open
Barnstable Intermediate School
895 Falmouth Road, Hyannis
Pets accepted
Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School
210 Station Avenue, South Yarmouth
Pets accepted
Cape Cod Technical High School
351 Pleasant Lake Avenue, Harwich
Pets accepted
Nantucket Intermediate School
30 Surfside Road, Nantucket
Pets accepted
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Community & Government Center
483 Great Neck Road South, Mashpee
Open 24-hour overnight shelter
Service animals only
Provincetown Community Center
2 Mayflower Street, Provincetown
Open 24-hour overnight shelter
Pets permitted
Shelter populations continue to fluctuate as power is restored in some communities while additional residents seek assistance.
Warming Centers and Daytime Support Locations
Dennis Center for Active Living
685 Route 134, South Dennis
Open 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Pets allowed
Lower Cape TV (Warming & Charging Location)
5 Namskaket Road, Orleans
Open 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pets welcome
The Lawrence School
113 Lakeview Avenue, Falmouth
Open until 9:30 PM
No pets
West Barnstable Community Building
2377 Meetinghouse Way, West Barnstable
Open as an additional warming center
Hours subject to update
No pets
A full and continuously updated list of warming centers and shelters across Cape Cod is available at:
www.capecod.gov/shelters
Additional shelter capacity remains available, and state resupply resources are expected.
Shelters are non-medical facilities. Residents requiring active medical care should remain hospitalized or seek medical guidance.
Residents without heat, with medical needs, or in unsafe conditions are encouraged to seek shelter.
Multi-Agency Coordination
The Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) remains fully operational and will continue as long as sheltering and restoration efforts require regional coordination.
Partners working together through the MACC include:
- Barnstable County staff and departments
- Local emergency management
- Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
- AmeriCorps Cape Cod
- American Red Cross
- Medical Reserve Corps
- Family Table Collaborative
- Regional nonprofit and volunteer partners
Many Barnstable County staff are working around the clock in an all-hands-on-deck effort — supporting towns, coordinating resources, and helping ensure residents have access to shelter, food, and critical services.
Preparedness and Safety Information
Residents are urged to:
- Limit travel to allow utility and cleanup crews safe access
- Prepare for continued restoration operations and possible extended outages
- Check on neighbors, especially older adults and vulnerable residents
- Assist neighbors safely with clearing a doorway or vent if needed
- Use generators outdoors only and away from windows and doors
- Stay clear of downed wires and report hazards immediately
- Dress warmly and use safe heating practices
- Monitor homes for plumbing issues as power and heat are restored
Food & Meal Support
Family Table Collaborative continues large-scale meal support operations and is providing thousands of meals daily to shelters and communities.
World Central Kitchen has deployed to Cape Cod and is supporting expanded meal distribution across the region.
Online Resources
Gas Stations Open on Cape Cod:
http://www.capecod.gov/gas-stations
Warming Centers & Shelter Locations:
www.capecod.gov/shelters
Cape Cod & Islands Power Outage Map:
https://www.capecod.gov/power-outage-map
Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning:
www.capecod.gov/bcrepc
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