Welcome to Martha’s Vineyard (Dukes County) Alerts!
Blizzard Alert for Martha’s Vineyard – Closures & Shelter Info
Dukes County Emergency Management Association (DCEMA), in coordination with the National Weather Service Boston/Norton, is advising all Dukes County residents and visitors to prepare for Winter Storm Hernando, a high-impact Nor’easter is expected to bring heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions to Martha’s Vineyard Sunday evening through Monday evening. Total accumulations of 12-24 inches are possible. Residents are urged to monitor official forecasts at weather.gov/boston and follow @NWSBoston for updates.
Expected Impacts
Shelter Guidance
Residents and visitors are strongly advised to shelter in place at home during the storm and avoid unnecessary travel. Staying off the roads allows Highway Departments, first responders, and utility crews to safely conduct snow removal and emergency operations. For those experiencing power outages or unsafe heating conditions, the following shelters will be available:
Daytime Warming Center – West Tisbury Overnight Shelter – Harbor Homes of MV
West Tisbury Free Public Library 111 New York Avenue, Oak Bluffs
1042 State Road, West Tisbury Opens 6PM Sunday through 8AM Tuesday
Monday, February 23 8AM-6PM For entry after 7PM, call 774-563-3687
Wi-Fi and device charging available Meals provided. Regular shelter rules in effect
Emergency Animal & Livestock Shelter – West Tisbury
Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society
35 Panhandle Road, West Tisbury
Contact: Christopher Lyons at 508-889-7891 or facilities@mvagsoc.org
Rules and Regulations: marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org/emergency-shelter
If conditions warrant the opening of additional emergency warming or overnight sheltering locations, official notification will be issued through municipal notification channels. No shelter locations should be assumed open unless confirmed through official alerts.
Municipal Closures & Parking Bans
Due to anticipated weather conditions, all Town buildings in Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, and West Tisbury will be closed on Monday, February 23. Essential emergency services will remain operational. To allow snow removal and emergency access, the following parking bans are in effect:
Edgartown:
Power Outages & Electrical Safety
Prepare Now
Residents should:
Stay Informed
Dukes County Emergency Management Association will continue to monitor Winter Storm Hernando and provide updates as conditions evolve.
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Expected Impacts
- Dangerous travel conditions dangerous and near-zero visibility
- Heavy wet snow combined with strong winds
- Downed trees and widespread power outages possible
- Coastal flooding and beach erosion during early Monday high tide
- Hazardous marine conditions with storm-force winds and 15-25 ft seas
Shelter Guidance
Residents and visitors are strongly advised to shelter in place at home during the storm and avoid unnecessary travel. Staying off the roads allows Highway Departments, first responders, and utility crews to safely conduct snow removal and emergency operations. For those experiencing power outages or unsafe heating conditions, the following shelters will be available:
Daytime Warming Center – West Tisbury Overnight Shelter – Harbor Homes of MV
West Tisbury Free Public Library 111 New York Avenue, Oak Bluffs
1042 State Road, West Tisbury Opens 6PM Sunday through 8AM Tuesday
Monday, February 23 8AM-6PM For entry after 7PM, call 774-563-3687
Wi-Fi and device charging available Meals provided. Regular shelter rules in effect
Emergency Animal & Livestock Shelter – West Tisbury
Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society
35 Panhandle Road, West Tisbury
Contact: Christopher Lyons at 508-889-7891 or facilities@mvagsoc.org
Rules and Regulations: marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org/emergency-shelter
If conditions warrant the opening of additional emergency warming or overnight sheltering locations, official notification will be issued through municipal notification channels. No shelter locations should be assumed open unless confirmed through official alerts.
Municipal Closures & Parking Bans
Due to anticipated weather conditions, all Town buildings in Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, and West Tisbury will be closed on Monday, February 23. Essential emergency services will remain operational. To allow snow removal and emergency access, the following parking bans are in effect:
Edgartown:
- Parking Ban begins 12AM Monday until further notice
- Parking permitted at: Edgartown Yacht Club Lot and Kelly Street Lot
- Parking Ban from 12PM Sunday through 11PM Monday
- Affects Circuit Ave, Kennebec Ave, Ocean Ave, Lake Ave, Grove Ave, and streets surrounding Union Chapel
- Parking Ban from 12AM Sunday through 11PM Monday
- Affects Union St, Spring St, Center St, Church St, William St, Clough Ln, Franklin St, Main St, Skiff Ave, Renear St, and all Town parking lots
- Tisbury Park & Ride is available for use
Power Outages & Electrical Safety
- Report power outages to Eversource: 1-800-592-2000
- Stay away from downed power lines and call 9-1-1
- Use generators outdoors only
Prepare Now
Residents should:
- Be ready for possible power outages
- Stock emergency kits with blankets, flashlights, batteries, nonperishable food, water, and medications
- Charge phones and medical devices
- Verify sufficient heating fuel (oil, propane, wood, etc.)
- Clear snow from outdoor exhaust vents during and after the storm
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Charge phones, medical devices, and backup batteries
- Protect pipes from freezing by insulating them and opening sink cabinets
- Bring pets indoors and ensure their food and water don’t freeze
- Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors
Stay Informed
- Follow your Town’s official communication channels (website, social media, etc.)
- Sign up for Island-wide Emergency Alerts: https://dukescouty-ma.myfreealerts.com
- Sign up for Town of Edgartown Alerts: Text Edgartown to 877-550-8627
Dukes County Emergency Management Association will continue to monitor Winter Storm Hernando and provide updates as conditions evolve.
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