Barnstable, Massachusetts – A powerful winter storm could bring plowable snow, strong coastal winds, and dangerous travel conditions to Cape Cod and the Islands beginning late Saturday night and lasting into late Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston/Norton, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties. Snowfall totals between 4 and 8 inches are possible across Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, with wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph. The combination of snow and wind could sharply reduce visibility and lead to drifting on exposed roadways.
Communities including Provincetown, Chatham, Falmouth, Vineyard Haven, and Nantucket are likely to see the most significant impacts, particularly overnight Saturday into Sunday. Gusty winds may bring down tree branches, increasing the risk for scattered power outages, especially in coastal and island locations.
Travel could become very difficult during the height of the storm, with untreated roads turning slick and snow-covered. Ferry operations and flights serving the Islands may also face delays or cancellations if conditions worsen.
Residents are urged to complete storm preparations before Saturday evening, limit travel during the storm, and keep mobile devices charged in case of power interruptions. The weather service notes that watches may be upgraded as confidence increases, with additional alerts possible through the weekend.
