What Are Cape Cod's Concerns As Nor'easter Approaches?

CAPE COD, MA — A late-season nor'easter is headed toward Massachusetts, and it could bring a foot or more of snow to some parts of the state.

However, Cape Cod officials are preparing for different problems ahead of the height of the storm.

The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee is actively monitoring the storm, and said that its biggest concerns for Tuesday into Wednesday are "sustained 25 to 35 MPH winds with gusts between 50 and 65 MPH, and the potential for widespread minor to moderate coastal flooding."

Barnstable County is under both a coastal flood advisory and high wind warning until Wednesday. The flood advisory is set to expire at 8 a.m. while the wind warning lasts until 2 p.m.

Though rain will be a constant factor according to National Weather Service forecasts, officials don't predict much snow accumulation.

What State Officials Are Doing

The National Weather Service early Tuesday updated its snow predictions, moving higher snow totals into Essex County and the Boston area. Meanwhile, new winter storm warnings were set to go into effect at 10 a.m. encompassing all of Middlesex, Essex and Suffolk counties.

Heavy, wet snow was already beginning to accumulate in the Worcester area as of 7 a.m. Forecasters say snow will spread steadily east Tuesday, dropping up six or more inches in the Boston area — and as much as a foot or more in the Worcester area.

Read more: Snow Forecast Rises In MA, Winter Storm Warnings Move East

The storm was already beginning to take a toll on infrastructure as of sunrise. Some 27,000 residents were without power as of 7:30 a.m., mostly clustered in the Berkshires. On the Mass Pike, 40 mph speed restrictions were in place between Westfield and the New York border.

MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said early Tuesday the storm poses a challenge for road crews because the nor'easter began as a heavy rain, hampering pre-treating efforts.

The MBTA canceled all Charlestown and Hingham-Hull ferry service on Tuesday with very high winds expected along the coast.

Gov. Maura Healey on Monday evening ordered all non-emergency executive branch employees to stay home on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency was planning to open its emergency operations center in Framingham at 8 a.m. Tuesday to monitor conditions.