BCREPC Releases Situational Report #002 September 25, 2026 (6:00 PM)
Published on: September 25, 2026
Date of Release: September 25, 2026
Time of Release: 6:00 PM
Incident or Event Overview
Situation
Barnstable County and regional partners continue to monitor and prepare for a slow-moving coastal storm affecting Cape Cod through the weekend.
Saturday is expected to bring the most significant impacts, including strong winds, prolonged heavy rain, power outages, coastal flooding, beach erosion, dangerous surf, and hazardous marine conditions.
The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) convened a Storm Coordination Brief at 4:00 PM on September 25.
Barnstable County plans a partial virtual activation on Saturday. A physical activation of the Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) is not planned at this time but may occur if conditions worsen.
Local emergency management directors are expected to coordinate Saturday morning. The next broader regional coordination call is anticipated for 4:00 PM Saturday.
Impacts and Potential Impacts
- Strong northeast winds are expected Saturday. Peak timing remains fluid, with the strongest period currently expected from late morning through Saturday afternoon and evening. Gusts of 45 to 60 mph are expected, with isolated gusts near 65 mph possible.
- A prolonged period of rain will continue through the weekend. Bands of heavy rain may produce storm totals of approximately 4.5 to 5.5 inches in some locations, depending on where the heaviest bands develop.
- Minor coastal flooding with pockets of moderate flooding is possible during multiple high-tide cycles Saturday and Sunday, especially along vulnerable and east-facing shorelines. Water may not fully drain between tide cycles.
- Long-duration winds, saturated ground, and fully leafed trees increase the risk of falling limbs, tree damage, downed wires, and power outages.
- Urban and poor-drainage flooding is possible. Travel may be hazardous during the height of the storm. Residents should avoid unnecessary travel and never drive through flooded roads.
- Dangerous surf and marine conditions will continue. Residents and visitors should stay away from beaches, dunes, jetties, and exposed coastal areas.
Updates from Agencies and Utilities
Eversource
- Eversource entered a Level 4 Emergency Response Plan activation at 4:00 PM Friday. Enhanced overnight operations are in place, with additional internal and external crews scheduled to begin work at 6:00 AM Saturday.
- Materials and crews are being staged across the region, including at the Yarmouth Area Work Center, Cape Cod Mall, and Falmouth Walmart.
- Eversource’s Level 4 statewide planning range anticipates approximately 14,000 to 70,000 customers without power at the peak of the event, with an estimated restoration period of 24 to 72 hours after conditions are safe for crews. This is a statewide planning estimate, not a Cape Cod-specific outage forecast.
- Bucket trucks cannot operate when winds exceed safety thresholds. Restoration work will begin when conditions allow crews to work safely.
- Residents should assume any downed wire is live, stay away, and call 911.
County and Municipal Coordination
- Barnstable County will operate in a partial virtual activation on Saturday.
- Municipal departments and community partners should route local resource needs through their emergency management director.
- Municipal resource requests should be submitted through WebEOC so County and state partners can coordinate logistics and support.
Transportation
Steamship Authority service to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard was suspended Friday because of high winds. Service is not expected to resume before Sunday and remains subject to weather and operational conditions.
Food and Community Support
The regional Emergency Food Group met Friday. Food providers reported that their networks are prepared to support communities if needs develop.
Regional Shelter Update
No regional shelters are scheduled to open at this time, and this is not currently expected to be a regional sheltering event.
Regional partners and municipalities remain ready to reassess needs if conditions change.
Weather Forecast Overview
Advisories, Watches, and Warnings
National Weather Service Boston/Norton update as of September 25, 2026:
- High Wind Warning: In effect for the eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island coasts through early Sunday morning. Sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph and peak gusts of 45 to 60 mph are expected.
- Coastal Flood Warning: In effect along the eastern Massachusetts coast for high-tide cycles through Sunday evening. Minor coastal flooding, pockets of moderate flooding, and widespread beach erosion are possible.
- Coastal Flood Advisory: In effect for the south coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island for minor coastal flooding.
- Storm Warning: In effect for Massachusetts and Rhode Island coastal waters through 8:00 PM Saturday. Winds of 45 to 60 knots and offshore seas of 15 to 25 feet are expected.
Rain and winds will decrease in intensity Sunday and Monday. Forecast details and warning areas may change.
Monitor www.weather.gov/boston and local emergency alerts for the latest information.
MEMA Operations
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) remains in a monitoring posture.
The regional duty officer is available to handle resource requests, and personnel have been identified for activation if conditions require additional support.
Municipal requests for state assistance should continue to be submitted through WebEOC.
Preparedness and Safety Information
Residents are encouraged to:
- Complete storm preparations before winds increase.
- Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, trash barrels, decorations, and other loose objects.
- Charge phones and backup batteries.
- Gather needed food, water, medications, flashlights, and other supplies in case of an extended outage.
- Use generators outdoors only and keep them away from windows, doors, and vents.
- Assume every downed wire is live. Stay away and call 911.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm.
- Never drive through flooded roads.
- Stay away from beaches, dunes, jetties, and exposed coastal areas.
- Check on neighbors, older adults, and anyone who may need assistance during a power outage.
- Continue monitoring official forecasts and local emergency notifications.
Stay Informed
For the latest regional emergency information and preparedness resources, visit:
For information on preparing your home and household for emergencies, visit:
Additional resources:
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