No emergency shelter system activation
BARNSTABLE (MA) January 7, 2017 – The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) held a planning conference call at 11 a.m. Saturday to review the latest forecasts on the winter storm approaching the Cape and Islands.
Given the predicted duration of the storm, the “fluffy” consistency of the snow, and the moderation in temperature expected next week, the BCREPC determined that the Regional Emergency Shelter System would not be activated at this time. Likewise, the Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) will not be activated at this time. The BCREPC will continue to monitor forecasts and reevaluate the situation throughout the duration of the storm.
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for east coastal Plymouth County, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket until 3 a.m. Sunday, January 8. The storm is predicted to drop 15 to 20 inches of snow. Winds are forecast to blow at 20 to 30 mph with frequent gusts of 40 to 45 mph over the Cape and Islands. The BCREPC advises the citizens of Barnstable County to be prepared for winter weather conditions and refrain from driving during the storm to enable highway crews to treat and clear the roads.
System snow gradually ends from west to east this evening and is off the coast around midnight. However, ocean effect snow is likely to continue overnight on Cape Cod. Winds will gradually be subsiding overnight. Very cold air will follow, as skies begin to clear. Lows will range from the single digits in northwest MA to the upper teens and lower 20s on Cape Cod and the islands.
For information about preparedness and the Regional Shelter System visit the Barnstable County REPC website at www.bcrepc.org
Follow the BCREPC on Twitter @bcrepc.
Additional information on preparedness is available from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) at www.mass.gov/mema or the FEMA website at www.ready.gov or call 2-1-1. For specific local information, citizens should contact the emergency management office in their town.
