Lower Cape Braces For Blizzard

With some snow still on the ground from the Jan. 26 storm that dumped more than a foot on the Lower Cape, the region is once again bracing for a potentially significant snowfall.

The National Weather Service has posted a Blizzard Warning for coastal Southern New England from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday morning. With up to two feet 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.

State and town public works crews are already making preparations for the storm, as are utility officials.

"These conditions could cause significant outages. Difficult travel conditions and multi-day restoration expected," reads a text bulletin from Eversource.

Sales were brisk and long lines were the norm at area grocery stores Saturday. 

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

“Please complete your preparations by Sunday afternoon," Chatham Fire Chief Justin Tavano said in a recorded message to the town.

"Residents that are concerned about not being able to leave their houses in the event the power goes out, should try and find alternative housing prior to the storm beginning," reads an advisory from Harwich town officials.
 
The regional sheltering system was on standby Saturday afternoon, Tavano said, and announcements would be made should it be decided to open one or more of the shelters. 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. 

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.

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

Cancellations

This story was updated Saturday at 5:30 p.m.