A high wind watch is in effect for our area from Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon.  

Winds are forecast to be from the Southeast at 35-45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. Periods of heavy rain with amounts from 1 to 2” is possible. 

Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible, and travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.  

Forecasts for this storm strongly resemble the storm of last month on December 17-18, 2023, which caused wire damage and required a multi-day electrical service restoration effort.

The possibility of moderate coastal flooding is a concern, particularly during the high tide around 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning. This tide is currently predicted to be 11.9 feet with a strong Southeast wind which could result in moderate flooding in the areas of the East End impacted by both the December 2023 and December 2022 storm events.

Early indications are for a storm surge of 2 to 4 feet during the Wednesday morning high tide. The magnitude and extent of the flooding will depend on the timing of the strongest winds and storm surge.

Provincetown DPW has cleared storm drains and placed sand at Town landings. To help concerned residents prepare, the DPW Highway Garage, located at 24 Race Point Rd, will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9 for those who wish to pick up sandbags. The limit is 10 sandbags per property, and you must check in with staff upon arrival at the Highway Garage. 

Regardless of the severity of this storm’s impacts, it’s important to be prepared. The following are some reminders for how residents can prepare themselves and their property for severe weather:   

• Clear storm drains and catch basins near your property of leaves and debris. 
• Protect your property with sandbags, especially in low-lying areas of the East End that experienced flooding during the December 2023 and December 2022 storms.
• Contact neighbors who may be out of town to let them know about the forecast so they can prepare their properties. 
• Sign up for emergency alerts from the Town via text message, email, or phone call at https://alerts.provincetown-ma.gov/. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and others to subscribe as well.   
• Be prepared for possible power outages by:    
  • Keeping your devices fully charged.     
  • Storing flashlights and batteries in an easily accessible location.    
  • Having extra batteries, medicine, blankets, canned goods, and bottled water on hand.    
  • Keeping refrigerators closed as much as possible and setting the temperature at 45° or below. Food will stay fresh for between 36-48 hours in a full fridge; 24 hours in a half-filled one.    
• Be prepared for high winds:   
  • Avoid outdoor activities.   
  • Watch for flying debris.   
  • Stay off roadways and take extra care in a high-profile vehicle such as a truck, van, SUV, or when towing a trailer, as these are more prone to be pushed or even flipped by high wind gusts.   
  • Remove any dead trees or branches on your property.   
  • Tie down or bring in any furniture or decorations on decks, patios, or in yards.   
• Build a kit to support you/your family with supplies for 3-5 days. The kit should include:   
  • Bottled water and food that doesn’t need to be refrigerated.   
  • Flashlights, a radio, and extra batteries.   
  • Phone chargers.   
  • First aid kit with medications.   
  • Special medical equipment, if needed.   
  • Personal care items.   

• For any EMERGENCY in Provincetown: 911    
• For the PROVINCETOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT non-emergency line: 508-487-1212    
• For the PROVINCETOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT non-emergency line: 508-487-7023    
• For the PROVINCETOWN DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: 508-487-7060 or email sprada@provincetown-ma.gov    
• For power outages, contact EVERSOURCE directly: 1-800-592-2000 or online at https://www.eversource.com/content/residential/outages   
• For VERIZON service issues: 1-800-837-4966    
• For COMCAST service issues: 1-800-266-2278   

Additional information and updates will be shared on the Town’s website, Facebook page, and through the Town’s alert system.