BCREPC Releases Situational Report #009 February 26, 2026 (12:00PM)
Situation
A high-impact blizzard continues to affect Cape Cod and the Islands, bringing heavy snowfall, damaging winds, coastal impacts, and widespread power outages across the region. Blizzard Warnings remain in effect as storm conditions persist through today and into tonight.
Blizzard Warning remains in effect for Barnstable County (Cape Cod) and Dukes County (Martha’s Vineyard), driven primarily by damaging winds and ongoing snowfall.
Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for Nantucket County.
Coastal Flood Advisory is now in effect for east-facing shorelines following earlier coastal flood concerns; only minor flooding expected.
Since early morning, the region has experienced intense snow bands, hurricane-force wind gusts, and deteriorating travel conditions. Wind gusts between 70–80 mph have been reported across coastal areas, with gradual improvement expected later today and tonight.
Additional snowfall is expected before the storm pulls away late this evening, with dense, heavy snow continuing to impact infrastructure and roadways. Widespread power outages, downed trees, and blocked roadways are affecting all Cape Cod communities and complicating response operations.
The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) and regional partners continue active coordination through the Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC). Local, county, state, nonprofit, healthcare, and utility partners remain engaged in sustained response operations.
Impacts and Potential Impacts
Snowfall
Additional snowfall of up to approximately 9 inches is possible before the storm departs late tonight. Storm totals vary across the region due to compaction and localized banding.
Snowfall rates earlier reached 2–4 inches per hour during peak banding and are now tapering but continuing steadily. Snow is dense, heavy, and adhesive, sticking to trees, wires, and structures and increasing the risk of tree damage, downed power lines, and structural strain.
Timing and Travel Impacts
Heaviest snowfall is expected to taper after approximately 12:00–1:00 PM, transitioning to lighter but steady snow. Snow will continue through the afternoon and evening across Cape Cod and the Islands.
The storm is expected to gradually pull east, with snowfall ending approximately 10:00–11:00 PM across eastern areas. Strong winds will persist even after snowfall ends, prolonging hazardous conditions.
Travel conditions remain dangerous to near impossible due to heavy snow, low visibility, downed trees, and blocked roads. Road clearing and transportation remain significantly hindered by active storm conditions and utility hazards.
Wind and Power Impacts
Wind gusts of 70–75 mph, with isolated gusts near 80 mph, have been reported across coastal areas. Winds are expected to gradually decrease into the 60 mph range this afternoon, 50 mph tonight, and 40 mph late tonight.
Strong winds continue to limit utility bucket truck operations and restoration efforts. Approximately 133,000 power outages are reported across Cape Cod, with additional outages possible. Restoration is expected to be a multi-day effort, with current focus on life safety and road clearance.
Coastal Impacts
A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect. Minor coastal flooding and splash-over are possible along east-facing shorelines. The afternoon high tide cycle is being closely monitored. Significant coastal inundation is not expected at this time.
Cold Temperatures and Refreeze
Overnight temperatures are expected in the mid-20s, with temperatures dropping into the mid-teens tomorrow night. Compacted snow and slush are expected to refreeze into ice, creating hazardous travel and access conditions and complicating restoration and debris removal.
Utilities, Health, and Transportation Readiness (Cape Cod & Islands)
Utilities
Widespread power outages continue across Cape Cod and the Islands. Utility crews are staged across the region; however, sustained high winds are limiting bucket truck operations and full restoration efforts.
Operations are focused on life safety priorities, including clearing downed wires, making roadways safe, and addressing hazards impacting critical facilities. Automated switching is occurring where possible to restore power to portions of the grid.
Utility liaisons are coordinating directly with municipal emergency operations centers to prioritize public safety and critical facility needs. Additional mutual aid crews may be shifted into the region as conditions allow. Restoration in hardest-hit areas is expected to take multiple days.
Health and Medical
Hospitals and healthcare facilities remain operational across the region. Cape Cod Hospital is currently operating on emergency generator power while seeking restoration of at least one electrical feed. Falmouth Hospital remains on normal power.
Healthcare partners are monitoring staffing levels and coordinating transportation for essential personnel as needed. Emergency medical and public health operations remain active and coordinated regionally.
Transportation
Travel conditions remain hazardous across Cape Cod and the Islands due to heavy snow, strong winds, and downed trees and wires. Numerous road obstructions and localized closures are reported across multiple communities.
Snow removal and roadway clearing operations are ongoing but significantly hindered by active storm conditions and utility hazards. Transportation assistance for essential workers and vulnerable residents is being coordinated regionally.
Tree and debris removal operations are expected to increase once winds subside and conditions allow safe deployment.
Multi-Agency Coordination
The Barnstable County Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) remains fully activated and operating 24/7 in support of regional storm response.
MACC operations are split between planning and shelter coordination and logistics and power coordination to support sustained operations. The primary MACC call line is currently down due to storm impacts; alternate contact procedures have been distributed to partners.
Regular regional coordination calls continue with municipalities, public safety, utilities, healthcare, nonprofit partners, and state agencies. The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) continues unified situational awareness and resource coordination across Cape Cod and the Islands.
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) personnel remain embedded within the MACC and are coordinating directly with state emergency operations. The Commonwealth is monitoring regional impacts and resource needs. Any potential disaster assistance requests will be initiated through the Governor following damage assessments.
Resident Guidance
Residents across Cape Cod and the Islands are encouraged to:
Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Stay clear of downed wires and report hazards immediately.
Use generators outdoors only and away from windows and doors.
Clear snow from doorways and ensure at least one safe exit from your home.
Check on neighbors, particularly older adults and those who may need assistance, when it is safe to do so.
Prepare for extended power outages and conserve phone battery power when possible.
Be alert for refreeze conditions that may create icy and hazardous walkways and roads.
Continue to monitor official updates from local officials and emergency management partners.
