Fierce storm on Cape Cod brings wind, rain, flooding. Here's the latest

Mary Ann Bragg, Rachael Devaney, Denise Coffey and Anne Brennan, Cape Cod Times
·5 min read
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Provincetown's east end underwater after breakwaters breached

PROVINCETOWN — The east end of town was flooded after a couple of breakwaters were damaged and allowed 3 to 4 feet of water to flow along Commercial Street to the East End Market, Doug Boulanger, manager of MacMillan Pier, said.

"We were watching waves going over houses on the east end," he said, before the breakwaters were breached.

The intersection of Bradford and Howland streets was flooded at 11:50 a.m. Friday as high winds and rain swept across Cape Cod.
The intersection of Bradford and Howland streets was flooded at 11:50 a.m. Friday as high winds and rain swept across Cape Cod.

The intersection of Bradford and Howland streets was completely flooded as of 11:50 a.m., according to a reporter on the scene. Some people were seen walking through with water that was thigh-high.

Fanizzi's Restaurant on Commercial Street is closed due to damages from the storm, Paul Fanizzi said. The restaurant sits on the water.

Fanizzi's Restaurant By The Sea on Commercial Street in Provincetown was severely damaged Friday as high tide and high winds hit the east end of town during a winter storm.
Fanizzi's Restaurant By The Sea on Commercial Street in Provincetown was severely damaged Friday as high tide and high winds hit the east end of town during a winter storm.

Officials are checking houses in the area to make sure people are safe.

West Dennis Beach, Lighthouse Road closed due to flooding

DENNIS — Police cleared out West Dennis Beach and closed the gate at about noon Friday due to flooding, according to the police dispatcher.

Lighthouse Road with its low-lying bridge has also been closed and there is some flooding on the east side of Sesuit Harbor, near Cold Storage Beach, the dispatcher said.

South-facing coastal areas in Chatham flooded

CHATHAM — Justin Tavano, the chief of the Chatham Fire Department, said Friday morning there was significant flooding at Outermost Harbor, 130 Champlain Road, 191 Morris Island Road, 44 Old Wharf Road, and 80 Bridge Street.

"Areas continue to pop up by the minute but these are the locations with significant flooding," said Tavano near 11 a.m. "And we still have an hour to go before high tide."

Chris Wilcox documents the damage from a seawall in the east end of Provincetown, which was hard hit by the morning high tide and high winds from Winter Storm Elliott.
Chris Wilcox documents the damage from a seawall in the east end of Provincetown, which was hard hit by the morning high tide and high winds from Winter Storm Elliott.

Tavano warned, in a phone interview with the Times, that people to stay away from those locations.

"As of 10 you could still drive through but it (water) is coming through pretty quick and I would say the roads are impassible," he said. "We still have access to high water vehicles and army trucks and we can get to people if we need to but we wouldn’t advise the public to drive through flood water."

Ferry service between the Cape and Islands canceled

Town public works crews dig out a stranded car on Commercial Street in the east end of Provincetown on Friday, when high tide and high winds led to flooding in parts of the town.
Town public works crews dig out a stranded car on Commercial Street in the east end of Provincetown on Friday, when high tide and high winds led to flooding in parts of the town.

The Steamship Authority has canceled ferry service to Nantucket for today, according to the authority's website. Service to Martha's Vineyard is canceled through 10 a.m. today but the authority will continue to assess the weather throughout the day and will make further service decisions throughout the day. Weather-related cancellations are expected on Saturday.

For more information about service changes, tickets and reservations visit www.steamshipauthority.com, call 508 -477-8600 or visit one of the terminals.

The Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority Fleet rides out Winter Storm Elliott at the Hyannis terminal, bringing a halt to all holiday travel until the storm passes.
The Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority Fleet rides out Winter Storm Elliott at the Hyannis terminal, bringing a halt to all holiday travel until the storm passes.

Plymouth and Brockton bus is "expecting system-wide disruptions on Thurs. and Fri. this week," according to a tweet posted Thursday night. "Many airlines are waiving change fees and we recommend passengers reach out to their airlines regarding their travel plans."

Power outages likely, here's what to do

The Sea Urchin cottage lost its deck and a slider opening into a bedroom in the east end of Provincetown on Friday. The east end of the town was hit hard by the morning high tide and high winds.
The Sea Urchin cottage lost its deck and a slider opening into a bedroom in the east end of Provincetown on Friday. The east end of the town was hit hard by the morning high tide and high winds.

As of 7 a.m. 938 customers had lost power on Cape Cod. Eversource has tapped reserve crews to help restore power throughout and after the storm. To track outages on the Cape and Island visit: https://data.capecodtimes.com/severe-weather-power-outages/

Be prepared for a power outage 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 to 48 hours in a full fridge; 24 hours in a half-filled one.

Water floods into the parking lot of Baxters restaurant at the end of Pleasant Street in Hyannis on Friday morning, as Winter Storm Elliott pushes across the Cape.
Water floods into the parking lot of Baxters restaurant at the end of Pleasant Street in Hyannis on Friday morning, as Winter Storm Elliott pushes across the Cape.

If you see downed lines/wires, please report these by calling 9-1-1. Power outages should be reported directly to Eversource at 800-592-2000.

Heavy rain expected on Cape Cod and the Islands

Cape Cod is looking at 1½ to 3 inches of rain, as well as wind between 55 and 60 miles an hour through early Saturday. Temperatures are expected to drop after the storm into the low twenties, according to the National Weather Service.

Risks from the storm include beach erosion, coastal flooding and wind damage. However, the biggest impact will likely be power outages due to wind damage.

At Ocean Street in Hyannis, sea water flooded onto the roadway at the time of the Friday morning high tide, coating passing motorists with salt water.
At Ocean Street in Hyannis, sea water flooded onto the roadway at the time of the Friday morning high tide, coating passing motorists with salt water.

Chris McKinnon, a spokesperson for Eversource, said he expects the entire region — Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire — to be affected by the storm with power outages.

High winds expected through Saturday

Storm-driven southerly winds flood over the Hyannisport Yacht Club dock Friday morning as high tide approaches during Winter Storm Elliott.
Storm-driven southerly winds flood over the Hyannisport Yacht Club dock Friday morning as high tide approaches during Winter Storm Elliott.

A high wind warning will remain in effect through 7 a.m. Saturday, with wind speeds from 25 to 35 miles per hour, with gusts to 60 miles per hour. Isolated gusts to 65 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Driving will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

Check for power outages on Cape Cod:Eversource power outage map

Coastal flooding

The National Weather Service posted a coastal flood warning until 2 p.m. Friday. One to two feet of flooding above ground level is expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways, through 2 p.m. today (Friday).

Dylan Kaeselau retrieves his scattered firewood with a kayak after his Bradford Street home was flooded Friday in the east end of Provincetown.
Dylan Kaeselau retrieves his scattered firewood with a kayak after his Bradford Street home was flooded Friday in the east end of Provincetown.

Do not drive around barriers, or through waters of unknown depths.

More:Here's how to find out tide levels on Cape Cod

What precautions should you take?

Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions, according to an alert from the town of Provincetown issued Thursday.

Residents should secure outdoor objects like patio umbrellas, furniture, etc., and use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle.

Be prepared for a power outage 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 to 48 hours in a full fridge; 24 hours in a half-filled one.

A wind-driven high tide floods into the Ocean Street Docks in Hyannis.
A wind-driven high tide floods into the Ocean Street Docks in Hyannis.

If you see downed lines/wires, please report these by calling 9-1-1. Power outages should be reported directly to Eversource at 800-592-2000.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod weather today: wind, rain, power outages expected