What To Expect Ahead Of Hurricane Lee On Cape Cod

CAPE COD, MA — Towns on Cape Cod are making preparations ahead of the anticipated effects of Hurricane Lee this weekend.

A Tropical Storm Warning was issued for the Massachusetts coast — Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard — with winds up to 60 miles per hour, strong rip currents and the possibility of coastal flooding and erosion. Storm conditions are expected to arrive in the region late Friday night and last into Saturday morning.

Officials have also issued warnings and watches for coastal flooding and storm surges, as well as a high surf advisory.

The current storm surge advisory means "there is a possibility of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, in the indicated locations during the next 48 hours," the National Weather Service said.

In Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket, NWS officials said water could reach heights of 2 to 4 feet during the storm surge, while other parts of Massachusetts including Sagamore Beach, Chatham and Martha's Vineyard could see water reach 1 to 3 feet.

The National Weather Service said the eye of Hurricane Lee was about 460 miles south-southeast of Nantucket as of Friday morning. Sustained winds were at 85 miles per hour.

Although the eye of the storm appears headed for landfall in the Nova Scotia area, the expanding rain and windshield will reach New England with the biggest impact felt along the coast and east of Route 128.

These advisories and warnings have prompted local officials across the Cape and islands to take precautions. Shellfishing is also closed across Massachusetts as of sunset on Friday.

Cape Cod

In Barnstable, officials told the public that if the town experiences "above average sustained winds" they will close the transfer station. Additionally, the Harbormaster in Barnstable told the public they should take measures to protect any vessels currently in the water, and also be prepared to haul their vessels ahead of the storm.

Chatham officials announced that Nauset/North Beach will close to over sand vehicle traffic at noon on Friday due to the approach of Hurricane Lee.

Some events on the Cape have also been canceled, like in Falmouth, where a clothing and textile collection at the local Department of Public Works was postponed.

Provincetown officials said on Thursday that they don't anticipate local flooding due to rain from the storm, but prompted those in low lying areas to still be diligent.

Officials said public works will be dumping sand at town beach landings and clearing catch basins ahead of the storm.

Additionally, all commercial flights to and from the municipal airport have been canceled for Saturday, but are set to resume Sunday.

As for Cape Cod Gateway Airport, officials there said they are monitoring the storm's impact on their flight schedule, but people planning to travel from the Hyannis airport "should be prepared and expect delays and cancellations."