High Winds, Heavy Snow Causing Power Outages

With the brunt of the predicted blizzard coming ashore, the Lower Cape was raked by spotty power outages, downed trees and traffic accidents in the predawn hours Monday.

Harwich firefighters were responding to Great Western Road where a tree was down and a vehicle was off the road, and there were numerous calls for downed limbs, including one on Eldredge Park Way in Orleans. As of 5 a.m., Eversource reported 359 customers without power in Brewster; 52 in Chatham, 35 in Harwich and 23 in Orleans, though the numbers were all but certain to climb during the morning hours. Report a power outage to Eversource by calling (800) 592-2000 or texting “OUT” to 23129.

There are multiple large trees blocking many area roads. In West Harwich, the canopy over the Sav-On gas station has reportedly collapsed, according to public safety broadcasts. Conditions are extremely dangerous as of 7 a.m.

On Sunday afternoon, officials announced that the county would be opening the regional shelter at Nauset Regional High School (100 Cable Rd., Eastham) at 6 p.m. Sunday. The facility will provide food and overnight accommodations to people in need. People using the shelter are urged to bring necessary medications, important documents, phone chargers, personal hygiene items, blankets or pillows, snacks and water, along with necessary medical equipment. Anyone needing transportation to the shelter should call the business line of their police department. Call 911 only in an emergency.

With up to  18 inches of heavy, wet snowfall forecast for some areas, along with winds gusting to 70 mph, white-out conditions are possible for a time, forecasters say.

The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee is encouraging residents to prepare and offered the following tips:

➡️ Avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm conditions Monday
➡️ Prepare for potential multi-day power outages
➡️ Charge phones and essential devices
➡️ Ensure you have adequate food, water, medications, and pet supplies
➡️ Check generators for safe outdoor operation only
➡️ Secure outdoor items ahead of strong winds
➡️ Check on older adults and vulnerable neighbors

Chatham will operate a personal care site at the Community Center, 702 Main St., on Monday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. where residents can come to warm up or charge devices. Meals will not be served, and the center will not be open overnight. For more information, or to arrange transport to the personal care site, call 508-945-5191. 

A warming center providing similar services will be opened at Orleans Town Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Food will not be served, and there will be no overnight accommodations.

Thanks to high astronomic tides, there is a likelihood of minor to moderate coastal flooding at times of high tide Monday. Flooding is likely in the usual vulnerable spots, officials say. Tavano said flooding is expected in several flood-prone areas, and for those who live in those areas, “You may want to consider relocating on Sunday," he said.

"This is an all-hands-on-deck response. Crews will be monitoring conditions, clearing priority routes, and tracking damage," an announcement from the town of Orleans reads. "DPW will drop plows as soon as possible and work continuously to stay ahead of snowfall. Residents must stay off the roads during the storm so crews can safely clear routes for emergency vehicles."

Send any cancellations to stormcenter@capecodchronicle.com, along with any storm photos you can safely take.

Cancellations and Notices

This story was updated Monday at 5:30 a.m.  If updates become impossible, check The Chronicle's Facebook and Instagram accounts for news.