Welcome to Martha’s Vineyard (Dukes County) Alerts!
Winter Storm Hernando Recovery Update & Damage Reporting
Dukes County Emergency Management Association (DCEMA), in coordination with Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Eversource, and Island public safety officials advises residents and businesses that recovery efforts continue following Winter Storm Hernando. Crews continue clearing roads, restoring power, and assessing storm impacts. Roadways are improving, but hazardous conditions may still exist.
Power Restoration Update
All Dukes County Towns are currently reporting 10% or less power outages according to MEMA’s outage dashboard. Eversource has deployed additional line and tree crews to the Island to assist with restoration efforts. The estimated time of restoration is 4PM Friday. Most customers will be restored before that time. A very small number of customers with especially complex repairs, challenging conditions, or those requiring private electrician repairs may experience restoration beyond that time. Residents should:
Damage Reporting – Residents & Businesses
MEMA has initiated the Initial Damage Assessment process to determine whether the Commonwealth may qualify for federal disaster assistance under FEMA Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, or U.S. Small Business Administration disaster programs.
Damage to private homes and businesses must be reported through MEMA’s online survey: https://forms.office.com/g/W7V1kzB3wk. The survey will remain open through Friday, March 6, 2026.
For assistance completing the form, submitting by phone, or access in multiple languages, call: Mass 2-1-1 (x20) or 877-211-6277 (x20). Residents and business owners are strongly encouraged to document all storm-related damage with photographs and written records for insurance and potential federal assistance purposes.
Road & Property Safety
Although conditions are improving, hazards remain:
Generator & Heating Safety
Improper heating methods can lead to fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Food Safety After Power Outages
Emergency & Assistance Numbers
Community Feedback Requested
We are requesting feedback from residents and business owners regarding the Island’s preparation, response, and recovery efforts during Winter Storm Hernando. Community input is critical to strengthening future emergency planning operations and improving coordination across Dukes County. Please complete the Feedback Form: https://forms.gle/upE8kzcGV8pg1mRR8. All responses will remain confidential and will be reviewed only by local Emergency Management Directors for improvement planning and After-Action Reporting purposes.
Stay Informed
Continue to monitor local media and official Town communication channels. Follow instructions from public safety officials.
Dukes County Emergency Management Association will continue coordinating recovery operations and provide updates as needed.
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Power Restoration Update
All Dukes County Towns are currently reporting 10% or less power outages according to MEMA’s outage dashboard. Eversource has deployed additional line and tree crews to the Island to assist with restoration efforts. The estimated time of restoration is 4PM Friday. Most customers will be restored before that time. A very small number of customers with especially complex repairs, challenging conditions, or those requiring private electrician repairs may experience restoration beyond that time. Residents should:
- Report outages directly to Eversource at 1-800-592-2000
- Stay away from downed utility wires and always assume they are live
- Call 9-1-1 to report downed wires or gas leaks
Damage Reporting – Residents & Businesses
MEMA has initiated the Initial Damage Assessment process to determine whether the Commonwealth may qualify for federal disaster assistance under FEMA Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, or U.S. Small Business Administration disaster programs.
Damage to private homes and businesses must be reported through MEMA’s online survey: https://forms.office.com/g/W7V1kzB3wk. The survey will remain open through Friday, March 6, 2026.
For assistance completing the form, submitting by phone, or access in multiple languages, call: Mass 2-1-1 (x20) or 877-211-6277 (x20). Residents and business owners are strongly encouraged to document all storm-related damage with photographs and written records for insurance and potential federal assistance purposes.
Road & Property Safety
Although conditions are improving, hazards remain:
- Watch for black ice, especially overnight and early morning
- Stay off streets until fully cleared
- Do not park too close to intersections so plows and emergency vehicles can maneuver safely
- Be alert for children playing near snowbanks
- Clear driveways and walkways for emergency personnel access
- Clear a safe path for heating oil or propane delivery
- Dig out nearby fire hydrants
- Clear storm drains to reduce flooding during snow melt
- Clear sidewalks, curb cuts, and accessible parking areas
- Monitor roofs for excessive snow load to prevent collapse
Generator & Heating Safety
Improper heating methods can lead to fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Use generators outdoors only, far from windows and doors
- Never use grills, ovens, or fuel-burning heaters indoors
- Clear furnace and dryer exhaust vents
- Clear snow from vehicle exhaust pipes before starting vehicles
- Ensure carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly
Food Safety After Power Outages
- Discard perishable food left above 40°F for more than 2 hours
- Never taste food to determine if it is safe
- Review additional guidance at: foodsafety.gov and cdc.gov/food-safety
Emergency & Assistance Numbers
- Emergency: 9-1-1
- Non-Emergency Public Safety: 508-693-1212
- For shelter information, storm-related assistance, or town-specific questions, please contact your Town’s Emergency Management Director:
- Aquinnah – Forrest Filler 508-645-2313 ffiller@dcsoma.org
- Chilmark – Manuel Rose 508-560-7663 mrose@chilmarkma.gov
- Edgartown – Alex Schaeffer 508-627-5167 efd@edgartown-ma.us
- Oak Bluffs – Stephen Foster 508-693-5380 firechief@oakbluffsma.gov
- Tisbury – Patrick Rolston 508-693-4246 prolston@tisburyma.gov
- West Tisbury – Jennelle Gadowski 774-563-6110 emd@westtisbury-ma.gov
Community Feedback Requested
We are requesting feedback from residents and business owners regarding the Island’s preparation, response, and recovery efforts during Winter Storm Hernando. Community input is critical to strengthening future emergency planning operations and improving coordination across Dukes County. Please complete the Feedback Form: https://forms.gle/upE8kzcGV8pg1mRR8. All responses will remain confidential and will be reviewed only by local Emergency Management Directors for improvement planning and After-Action Reporting purposes.
Stay Informed
Continue to monitor local media and official Town communication channels. Follow instructions from public safety officials.
Dukes County Emergency Management Association will continue coordinating recovery operations and provide updates as needed.
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