The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Barnstable and Dukes counties as Massachusetts braces for the first major snowstorm of the winter season.
The NWS cancelled a Blizzard Warning for the Cape and Vineyard and issued the Winter Storm Warning which goes into effect Thursday morning at 10 a.m. and extends until 1 a.m. Friday morning. Heavy snow and high winds are expected making travel difficult.
A High Wind Warning goes into effect at 7 a.m. Thursday until 1 a.m. Friday. Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph will hit the region with gusts up to 70 mph. These strong winds are capable of downing trees and power lines, as well as causing property damage. Scattered to widespread power outages are possible. The NWS advises to take action to secure loose outdoor objects.
A Coastal Flood Warning for Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket remains in effect from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday. East and North facing shorelines are most susceptible during Thursday's early afternoon high tide. The possibility exists for widespread flooding of vulnerable shore roads and basements. A few low spots could be inundated up to 6 feet. Moderate to severe erosion will likely occur along the Massachusetts east coast with the greatest impact likely along the outer Cape ocean shore and the east side of Nantucket.
Expected accumulation from the Cape Cod Canal to Hyannis is 6 to 10 inches with 3 to 6 inches predicted from Hyannis to Provincetown.