What to Expect from Hurricane Sandy for Cape Cod and the Islands

Saturday afternoon the National Weather Service briefed Emergency Management teams from across the state about Hurricane Sandy. There are still many hours until Sandy will hit Massachusetts, and so there are many changes in the storm's path that can still take place. However, as of Saturday, Islanders and Cape Codders can expect the following: 

• Storm is expected to hit at 4 am Monday morning
• The wind field will be large.
• There will be a significant impact along the south coast of Massachusetts and the Cape and Islands.
• Wind speeds on Monday morning to Monday noon are forecasted to be 40 mph to 50 mph, gusting to 60 mph to 80 mph.
• Wind speeds on Monday afternoon into Tuesday are forecasted to be 40 mph to 50 mph, gusting to over 50 mph
• Storm Surge on Monday morning to Monday noon are forecasted to be 2 ft. to 3 ft., and from Monday noon to Monday eve to be 3 ft. to 5 ft., and from Monday eve into Tuesday to be 2 ft. to 4 ft.
• Ocean waves off the south coast and Cape Cod and the Islands are forecasted to be 30+ feet.
• Expect coastal flooding and beach erosion
• Power outages are likely
• Temperatures will be 40s to low 50s at night and into the upper 50s during the day.

On the Vineyard, the Coast Guard has moved its 25-foot boat to the airport and one of its two 42-foot boats to New Bedford, where it is behind the hurricane wall in that port. It is expected that the second boat will be moved before the storm.

Currently, the Steamship Authority anticipates possible trip cancellations Sunday night into Tuesday due to the potential impacts of Hurricane Sandy. Those wishing to make or modify a reservation please call 508.477.8600, visit www.steamshipauthority.com, or visit one of the terminals.

As of now, there are no plans to open shelters.

Please continue to check Patch for further updates.