09/23/2026
FROM OUR TOWN OFFICES:
TOWN OF PROVINCETOWN MONITORING POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT COASTAL STORM
The Town of Provincetown continues to closely monitor a large, slow-moving Norâeaster that may affect the region from FRIDAY THROUGH THE WEEKEND and potentially into early next week.
Confidence is increasing that Provincetown and the Outer Cape will experience impacts from this system. However, the stormâs exact track, timing and intensity remain uncertain, and the forecast may continue to change.
What We Are Monitoring:
Strong winds and power outages: Coastal wind gusts of 40â50 mph are possible, with a 10â15% chance of gusts reaching 60 mph on the Outer Cape and Nantucket. Because trees remain fully leafed out, the risk of downed trees, limbs and power outages is greater than it typically would be during a September non-tropical storm.
Coastal flooding and erosion: Persistent northeast winds may continue over several tide cycles. Combined with the full moon this weekend, these conditions could result in coastal flooding and significant beach erosion. It remains too early to determine whether the strongest winds will coincide with high tides.
Dangerous marine conditions: Storm-force wind gusts are possible over the waters, with seas potentially building to 15â25 feet outside the harbor. These conditions will be extremely hazardous for mariners. The USCG has warned that Coast Guard Cutters will not be available. Station Provincetown will service its 50-mile area of responsibility with its 47â boat heavy weather crews.
Heavy rain and inland flooding: The National Weather Service currently forecasts approximately 2â4 inches of rain across eastern Southern New England. Locally higher amounts of 5 inches or more may be possible where heavier rain bands develop, creating the potential for localized inland flooding.
EXPECTED TIMING AND DIRECTION:
Rain could begin as early as Thursday night, although Friday evening currently appears more likely.
Strongest winds and heaviest rain are expected Saturday into Saturday night. Winds will be from the northeast Wednesday, and trend more to the north as the system progresses. Saturday nightâs peak winds will be from the North to North-East direction.
Because the storm will be slow-moving, periods of rain, wind and coastal impacts may continue through Sunday and Monday before the system moves away.
HIGH TIDES & COASTAL FLOODING:
Astronomical tides will increase heading into the weekend. Based on current predictions, high tides in Provincetown are expected to be over 12â (with storm surge) during the early Saturday morning high tide.
Actual water levels may be higher than predicted due to storm effects like low atmospheric pressure.
If winds remain north-easterly, the West End may experience storm-driven waves. Coastal flooding and beach erosion may occur over several high-tide cycles.
Residents can monitor the latest NOAA water-level forecast for Provincetown Harbor.
Residents Encouraged to Prepare:
Residents, property owners and businesses should use this time to review their emergency plans and take reasonable precautions:
Secure or bring indoors outdoor furniture, trash and recycling containers, decorations and other loose objects.
Move vehicles and other property away from low-lying or flood-prone areas.
Clear storm drains, gutters and downspouts where it is safe to do so.
Charge phones, portable chargers and backup batteries.
Check home oxygen and medications to ensure you have an adequate supply for the duration of the storm.
Prepare for possible power outages and blocked roads.
Make plans for household members who may need additional assistance, including older adults, children, people with disabilities or medical needs, and pets.
Avoid beaches, piers, breakwaters and other exposed coastal areas during the storm.
Never walk, swim or drive through floodwater.
Stay away from downed utility lines and report them to the appropriate utility or public-safety agency.
If using a portable generator, operate it outdoors and well away from doors, windows and vents.
Additional information is available through the Commonwealthâs Norâeaster and Coastal Storm Safety Tips.
Food Safety During a Power Outage
Residents should also prepare to keep food and drinking water safe if the storm causes an extended power outage:
Keep refrigerators at 40°F or below and freezers at 0°F or below. Place an appliance thermometer in each.
Freeze containers of water and gel packs now, keep a cooler available, and fill unused freezer space with ice.
Stock several days of shelf-stable food that does not require cooking or refrigeration, along with a manual can opener.
Store at least one gallon of water per person, per day, including water for pets.
During an outage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. An unopened refrigerator generally keeps food cold for about four hours. A full freezer generally maintains its temperature for approximately 48 hours, or 24 hours if half-full.
If an outage lasts longer than four hours, move refrigerated perishables into a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs and keep them at 40°F or below.
Discard perishable food that has been without refrigeration or another cold source for four hours or longer. Frozen food may be refrozen or cooked if it still contains ice crystals or remains at 40°F or below.
Never taste food to determine whether it is safe. When in doubt, throw it out.
Discard food that has touched floodwater, including food in plastic, paper, cardboard or cloth packaging. Also discard swollen, leaking, punctured, deeply rusted or badly dented cans.
Storms can contaminate water supplies. Follow Town announcements regarding drinking water, and do not use water from a flooded private well until it has been tested.
These recommendations are based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Mariners & Boat Owners
Mariners and boat owners should take steps now to protect their vessels:
Remove your boat from the water if possible. Boats on trailers may be stored at the West End Ramp parking lot through Monday, September 28.
Pull smaller boats above the high-tide line at Ryder Street Beach, next to the wall behind Ceraldiâs.
Move larger vessels behind the breakwater.
Contact the Harbormaster at 508-487-7030 for dockage or mooring assignments. After hours, press 2 for the Harbormaster on call.
Closely monitor marine forecasts and avoid operating vessels during hazardous conditions.
Sandbags Available Today & Thursday
The Town is making sandbags available to Provincetown residents and property owners at the Highway Garage (24 Race Point Road) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, September 23, and Thursday, September 24.
Residents should be prepared to fill the bags themselves. Those who are physically unable to fill bags will be provided with filled sandbags from the Townâs available supply.
Sandbags are limited to 10 bags per property.
Build or Check Your Emergency Kit
Households should have an emergency kit ready and customize it to meet their individual needs. Recommended supplies include:
Drinking water and nonperishable food.
Flashlights and extra batteries.
First-aid supplies.
Prescription medications and necessary medical supplies.
Phone chargers and portable power banks.
Copies of important documents.
A battery-powered radio.
Personal hygiene items and supplies for children and pets.
Additional local preparedness resources are available at www.capecod.gov/Prepare and www.capecod.gov/flood-ready.
Stay Informed
Town officials will continue reviewing updated forecasts, evaluating potential impacts and coordinating preparations with local, regional and state partners. The Town expects to provide another update Thursday as the forecast becomes clearer.
Residents should monitor the Town website, the Townâs official page, sign up for Town emergency alerts, and follow the National Weather Service Boston/Norton office for the latest forecast information.
Barnstable County Emergency Management works in partnership with the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) to enhance regional preparedness, coordinate emergency planning, and support municipal response efforts across Cape Cod and Nantucket.
