Barnstable County Prepares for Coastal Storm with Damaging Winds, Heavy Rain, and Potential Power Outages
Barnstable County and its regional partners are preparing for a slow-moving coastal storm expected to impact Cape Cod from Friday through the weekend. The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) held a coordination brief to address primary concerns, including damaging wind gusts, downed limbs, power outages, prolonged rainfall, beach erosion, coastal flooding, and hazardous marine conditions. Northeast wind gusts of 45 to 60 mph are possible along the coast, and long-duration winds combined with fully leafed trees increase the risk of tree damage and power outages. Total rainfall is expected to be between 1 to 4 inches, with higher amounts near the coast. Minor coastal flooding, with pockets of moderate flooding, is anticipated during multiple high-tide cycles, especially along east-facing shorelines. Eversource will activate a Level 4 Emergency Response Plan, preparing for a potential multi-day restoration effort.