A large, slow-moving coastal storm is expected to affect Orleans and the Cape from Friday through early next week. The worst conditions are expected on Saturday: high winds, heavy rain, coastal flooding, and a heightened risk of power outages. Please finish preparations by Friday afternoon.

The Town of Orleans is working closely with Barnstable County Emergency Management, Eversource, and other partners. We will monitor the storm and respond as needed and share updates as the forecast changes.

Timing

• Thursday: Winds and seas build.
• Friday: Rain begins by evening. Minor coastal flooding is possible as early as Friday afternoon.
• Saturday: Strongest winds and heaviest rain.
• Sunday into early next week: The storm weakens but stays in the region. It may not fully clear until Tuesday or Wednesday.

What to expect

• High winds: Chance of gusts up to 50 mph on Saturday evening. 
• Power outages: Strong winds combined with trees still in full leaf raise the outage risk above what we typically see in September.
• Heavy rain: Barnstable County projects 3–5 inches in parts of the Cape, with higher amounts possible depending on the final track.
• Coastal flooding and erosion: Minor flooding may repeat over several high tides through the weekend, and the full moon will add to it. East-facing shorelines face the greatest erosion risk.
• Dangerous seas: NWS has issued Gale Warnings and Storm Watches for coastal waters. Seas of 15–25 feet are possible on the outer waters.

Staying safe

• Plan to stay home Saturday. Travel may be hazardous because of high winds, downed trees, and localized flooding.
• Secure or bring in outdoor furniture, trash bins, and other loose items.
• Charge phones and devices, and have flashlights and supplies ready in case the power goes out.
• Stay away from downed power lines and never drive through flooded roads.
• Stay off beaches and away from waterfronts during high tides and rough surf.
• In an emergency, call 911. To report a power outage, contact Eversource.

Events
The Town recommends that outdoor events planned for this weekend be canceled or postponed.

The Orleans Community Resource Fair, originally scheduled for Saturday, September 26, has been rescheduled to Saturday, October 3 at Nauset Regional Middle School, 11am-2pm.

Facility closures
The public restrooms at Nauset, Skaket, and Pilgrim Lake Beaches, and the Bandshell at 80 Eldredge Park Way, will be closed from Friday afternoon, September 25, through Monday morning, September 28.
The public restrooms at 44 Main Street will remain open.

Nauset Beach OSV

• Nauset Spit "North Side" is closed to all OSVs, effective immediately, because storm surge has eliminated the travel corridor.
• Nauset Beach South OSV remains open for now. As the storm approaches, access south of Trail 1 may be cut off by severe flooding of the inner trail and loss of front beach at Trail 4. Please check tides and make safe, informed decisions. Updates will follow.

Shellfish harvesters
Because of the storm, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is likely to enact a statewide precautionary closure of shellfish harvesting beginning Saturday, September 26. We will continue to monitor the forecast. Please plan accordingly.

Mariners: prepare before conditions worsen
Do not wait until conditions deteriorate to secure your vessel. Before the storm:

• Remove vessels from the water where practical.
• Check moorings, anchors, dock lines, and other securing arrangements to make sure they can withstand the forecasted conditions.
• Add or inspect chafe protection and backup lines.
• Move vessels to protected waters or more secure locations when warranted.
• Secure or remove dinghies, tenders, sails, canvas, and loose equipment that could become hazards in strong winds.
• Check bilge pumps, batteries, and other essential equipment.

Stay informed
Be sure to follow the Town of Orleans on Facebook and Instagram for updates.