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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT > Archives_Situational Reports > BCREPC Releases Situational Report #001 September 24, 2026 (7:00 PM)

BCREPC Releases Situational Report #001 September 24, 2026 (7:00 PM)

Published on: September 24, 2026

Date of Release: September 24, 2026

Time of Release: 7:00 PM

Incident or Event Overview

Situation

Barnstable County and regional partners are monitoring a slow-moving coastal storm expected to affect Cape Cod from Friday through the weekend.

The primary concerns are:

  • Damaging wind gusts
  • Downed limbs and power outages
  • Prolonged rainfall
  • Beach erosion
  • Coastal flooding
  • Dangerous surf
  • Hazardous marine conditions

The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) held a Storm Coordination Brief at 4:00 PM on September 24.

Barnstable County anticipates a partial virtual activation over the weekend. The Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) is not fully activated, but County staff remain available to coordinate information and resource requests. Operations can be expanded if conditions worsen.

Additional BCREPC coordination calls are planned for Friday and Saturday afternoons. Partners will reassess whether a Sunday call is needed.

Impacts and Potential Impacts

  • Northeast wind gusts of 45 to 60 mph are possible along the coast. Long-duration winds, heavy rain, and fully leafed trees increase the risk of falling limbs, tree damage, and power outages.
  • Rain is expected to develop Friday and continue through the weekend, possibly into Monday. National Weather Service guidance indicates total rainfall of approximately 1 to 4 inches, with the highest amounts most likely near the coast.
  • Beach erosion and minor coastal flooding, with pockets of moderate flooding possible, may occur during multiple high-tide cycles, especially along east-facing shorelines.
  • Urban and poor-drainage flooding is possible. Never drive through flooded roads.
  • Dangerous surf and marine conditions are expected. Residents and visitors should stay away from beaches, jetties, and exposed coastal areas during the storm.
  • Conditions are expected to deteriorate Friday afternoon and evening. The strongest winds are currently expected Saturday afternoon and evening.

Updates from Agencies and Utilities

Eversource

  • Eversource will enter a Level 4 Emergency Response Plan activation at 4:00 PM Friday.
  • Emergency operations centers, including the Yarmouth Emergency Operations Center, will be open.
  • Internal and external crews have been secured, with resources assigned across the Upper, Mid, Lower, and Outer Cape.
  • Eversource is preparing for the possibility of a multi-day restoration effort.
  • Residents should report outages directly to their utility and stay away from downed wires.

Regional Coordination

  • Emergency management directors from Cape Cod, Nantucket, Plymouth County, and Joint Base Cape Cod reported no unmet needs during the September 24 morning coordination call.
  • Municipal departments and community partners should coordinate local resource needs through their municipal emergency management director.
  • State assistance requests should be submitted through WebEOC under the 2026 September Incidents event.

Regional Shelter Update

No regional shelters are scheduled to open at this time. This is not currently expected to be a regional sheltering event.

If conditions create localized needs, Barnstable County will work with municipalities and regional partners on a case-by-case basis.

Shelter partners and municipalities remain prepared if conditions change.

Weather Forecast Overview

Advisories, Watches, and Warnings

National Weather Service Boston/Norton update as of September 24, 2026:

  • High Wind Warning: 8:00 AM Friday through 2:00 AM Sunday for coastal southeastern Massachusetts, including Barnstable County
  • Coastal Flood Watch: Friday afternoon through Sunday evening for east-facing coastal areas
  • High Surf Advisory: 5:00 AM Friday through 8:00 PM Sunday
  • Storm Warnings: In effect for coastal waters beginning Friday, with dangerous northeast winds and very rough seas expected

Forecast details and warning areas may change. Monitor www.weather.gov/boston and local emergency alerts for the latest information.

MEMA Operations

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) does not currently plan to activate the State Emergency Operations Center.

MEMA remains in a monitoring posture and is coordinating with the National Weather Service and regional partners.

Beginning Friday morning, MEMA plans to distribute daily Situational Awareness Statements through the weekend.

Municipal resource requests for state assistance should be submitted through WebEOC under the 2026 September Incidents event.

Preparedness and Safety Information

Residents are encouraged to:

  • Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, trash barrels, decorations, and other loose objects before winds increase.
  • Charge phones and backup batteries.
  • Gather needed food, water, medications, flashlights, and other supplies in case of an outage.
  • Use generators outdoors only and keep them away from windows, doors, and vents.
  • Stay away from downed wires and report them to 911 and the appropriate utility.
  • Avoid beaches, jetties, exposed coastal areas, and flooded roads.
  • Check on neighbors, older adults, and anyone who may need assistance during a power outage.
  • Continue monitoring official forecasts and local emergency notifications.

Stay Informed

For regional emergency updates and preparedness information:

www.capecod.gov/bcrepc

Additional resources:

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