BCREPC Releases Situational Report #010 February 26, 2026 (6:00PM)
Situational Report #010
Date of Release: February 26, 2026
Time of Release: 6:00 PM
Incident Overview
Situation
Barnstable County and regional partners continue coordinated storm response operations following the recent winter storm. With weather conditions now calm, response efforts remain focused on power restoration, telecommunications recovery, shelter operations, and support for vulnerable populations.
Power restoration is progressing steadily across the region. Shelter census numbers are declining as service is restored, and preliminary demobilization planning has begun. The Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) remains operational to support municipal, state, and nonprofit coordination.
Approximately 29,000 customers remain without power across Barnstable County, with restoration work continuing overnight and into tomorrow.
Telecommunications providers report improving service as power is restored. Wireless and broadband crews remain deployed across Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket to restore remaining service interruptions.
Healthcare facilities across Cape Cod are largely back online and operating normally, with limited site impacts remaining.
Regional coordination through the Multi-Agency Coordination Center continues to support municipal operations, sheltering, feeding, and restoration efforts.
Current Impacts
- Approximately 29,000 customers remain without power across Barnstable County
- Ongoing telecommunications service interruptions in some areas
- Active shelter operations with declining census
- Continued need for coordinated food distribution and access support for vulnerable residents
Utilities, Health, and Transportation
Healthcare
Cape Cod Healthcare reports most facilities are open and operating normally, with only limited locations remaining closed. Healthcare systems continue normal operations with contingency communications measures where needed.
Transportation
- Route 6 in Orleans was temporarily closed to support utility work restoring service to customers.
- CCRTA continues transportation support, including assistance with meal distribution.
- CCRTA reports a temporary phone system issue; callers dialing 508-385-1430 should select option 2 immediately to avoid rerouting.
- Steamship Authority operations remain normal, with additional trips planned to assist utility vehicle movement.
Sheltering & Vulnerable Populations
Current Shelter Census (subject to verification)
- Barnstable: 30
- Dennis-Yarmouth (DY): 45
- Cape Cod Tech: 41
Shelter census numbers are gradually declining as power is restored. Regional partners are beginning coordinated shelter demobilization planning while ensuring safe transitions for remaining residents.
DPH is coordinating a medical volunteer list expected to add more than 20 personnel in the coming days. The operational goal remains two medical staff per shelter at all times.
A continuously updated list of warming centers and shelters is available at:
www.capecod.gov/shelters
Residents without heat, with medical needs, or in unsafe conditions are encouraged to seek shelter.
Food & Meal Support
Family Table Collaborative continues regional meal production and distribution:
- 4,000 meals distributed yesterday
- Approximately 3,000 meals in distribution today
- Additional donated meals supplementing daily production
Demand is beginning to decrease as outages are restored but remains active across shelters, warming centers, and community locations. Sites are encouraged to report updated meal needs directly to support efficient distribution.
Senior and access service teams continue assisting residents who lost food or remain unable to safely access groceries, with efforts underway to fully restore Meals on Wheels routes.
Multi-Agency Coordination
The Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) remains operational from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM with overnight phone coverage.
County staff continue working alongside:
- Local emergency management
- Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
- AmeriCorps Cape Cod
- American Red Cross
- Medical Reserve Corps
- Family Table Collaborative
- Transportation partners
- Regional nonprofits
These partners continue coordinating restoration, sheltering, feeding, and recovery operations across the region.
Preparedness & Safety Guidance
Residents are urged to:
- Remain cautious around downed wires and damaged infrastructure
- Check on neighbors, especially older adults and vulnerable residents
- Use generators outdoors only and away from windows and doors
- Prepare for continued localized outages as final restoration progresses
- Follow local guidance on debris removal and recovery operations
Online Resources
Consolidated Storm Recovery Resource Page
Barnstable County has launched a consolidated Storm Recovery Resource Page to provide residents with one central location for verified, up-to-date information.
The page includes:
- Cape-specific power outage dashboard
- Shelter and warming center locations
- Open gas stations
- Food and meal resources
- Safety guidance and recovery information
Residents are encouraged to bookmark and share this page as restoration continues.
