Tropical Storm Isaias Expected to Reach Cape Cod Region Mid-Day
Isaias – Media Release 005
Barnstable, MA. (August 4, 2020) — At a 10:00 a.m. conference call on Tuesday, the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) convened remotely to discuss updates to the forecast for Tropical Storm Isaias.
Individuals present on the call included over 75 representatives from agencies across Cape Cod’s 15 towns and Nantucket, including police, fire, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Eversource, Verizon, the Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC), and several volunteer organizations.
UPDATE: BCREPC continues to monitor Tropical Storm Isaias as it moves up the east coast from Virginia. This storm has strengthened and increased in speed, and its current track is still projected to travel inland to western and central, Massachusetts; The Cape Cod region can expect tropical-storm-force winds and rain.
- Winds are expected at noon today and will build gradually into the late evening and throughout the night; peak winds are expected at approximately 9:00 p.m.;
- 50-55 mph winds expected with isolated gusts up to 65 mph;
- Expect up to .5-inch rainfall concentrated on the west side of Cape Cod, a possible thunderstorm;
- Tornado watch is now in effect for southern New England; slight chance of tornado event on Cape Cod;
- Up to two feet of coastal surge expected on Cape Cod’s south-facing side;
- The storm will make its way out of Cape Cod region by early morning on Wednesday;
- Scattered power outages and communication outages are likely;
- Citizens should prepare for the potential of significant wind impacts. BCREPC advises residents on the Cape & Islands to ensure that lightweight or loose objects on your property (grills, patio furniture, trash cans, small toys, etc.) are secured or brought indoors.
- Citizens who are camping in tents should consider seeking other accommodations today and this evening;
- Businesses and organizations using tents for outside seating and services should make sure all structures are secure.
BCREPC wants residents and visitors to know that Tropical Storm Isaias is being monitored, and shelters will be ready to activate if necessary. The Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) remains on standby for all resource requests in the region. Utility companies are monitoring the forecast and have mobilized additional crews to troubleshoot issues across the county. Campers on Cape Cod have been advised of weather and how to take safety precautions. The next remote conference call will be held on Wednesday, August 5, at 10:00 a.m. to assess the latest forecasts. Visit www.bcrepc.org for updates.
Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC)
The BCREPC was founded in September 2002 to assist the communities on Cape Cod and the Town of Nantucket with addressing hazardous materials emergency planning and response as required by the federal government. Today, the BCREPC has expanded its scope to include “All Hazard” emergency planning issues such as storm response, sheltering and grants management. The BCREPC is a coalition of emergency management, law enforcement, fire service, health care, public health, public works, EMS, military, and numerous other affiliated agencies as outlined by the Massachusetts State Emergency Response Committee (SERC). It represents the towns of Barnstable, Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Harwich, Mashpee, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro, Wellfleet, and Yarmouth in Barnstable County, and the town of Nantucket in Nantucket County. The REPC is coordinated by the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment. Visit www.bcrepc.org
For media inquiries:
Contact: Sonja Sheasley, PIO
Sonja.Sheasley@capecod.gov
