A High Wind Watch has been issued for our area from 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 11 through 3:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 12. Winds are forecast to be from the South at 20 to 30 mph with gusts between 50 and 60 mph possible.

With the predicted tides and timing of the storm, we do not anticipate any significant coastal flooding. However, Town staff plan to use this event as a practice and test of our new deployable coastal flood barriers in in the Howland St. area of the East End. Learn more about the Town’s Coastal Flood Protection Pilot Project here.

As such, Commercial St. between Anthony St. and Howland St. will be closed beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11 through 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 12. This area of Commercial St. will remain open for pedestrian traffic.

Public Works will be posting No Parking signage in the area and all cars parked on Commercial St. between Anthony St. and Howland St. will need to be moved before 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11.

To prepare, the Department of Public Works has cleared storm drains and catch basins, and DPW will be making sandbags available to concerned residents at the DPW Highway Garage, located at 24 Race Point Rd, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11. 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:     

• 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 flooding by:  
  • Clearing storm drains and catch basins near your property of leaves and debris.   
  • Protecting your property with sandbags, especially in low-lying areas of the East End that experienced flooding during the December 2023 and December 2022 storms.  
  • Raising or removing items in basements or low-lying areas.  
  • Contacting neighbors who may be out of town to let them know about the forecast so they can prepare their properties.   
  • Replacing any broken, cracked or frayed outdoor electrical outlets or cords and ensuring extension cords are rated for their intended use - never use an indoor extension cord outdoors.  
• 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.