Lee Blows Into Canadian Maritimes

By: Staff Reports

Topics: Storms

Brewster firefighters respond to trees down in the area of the Lutheran Church on Main Street Saturday morning. ALAN POLLOCK PHOTO 

The Cape and Islands are experiencing gusty winds and heavy rains associated with post-tropical cyclone Lee, but there were no major reports of damage early Saturday morning.

First responders were kept busy overnight answering minor calls for downed limbs and alarm systems activated by the wind, but there were no reports of significant flooding or wind damage.

As of Saturday morning, the automated weather station at the Chatham airport had registered wind gusts to around 40 mph. The maximum wind speed at the center of the storm was estimated at 80mph, as it raced northward at 25 mph. Most Lower Cape residents woke up to find no storm damage aside from a few downed limbs and twigs, but a few found their driveways or roads were blocked by toppled trees.

Route 6 in Orleans was briefly closed after electrical wires fell on the highway at the intersection of Route 6A. No one was hurt and the road reopened in less than a half hour.

Coastal flooding along Cape Cod Bay was possible at the time of high tide, around noon Saturday.

Power outages Saturday morning were mostly isolated in nature, with about 150 Brewster customers without power. Eversource was at the scene working to restore service, and many utility crews were in the area on standby.

With very large breaking surf happening along the east-facing shore, officials are warning spectators to stay a safe distance away from the water. Television news crews from Boston, Providence and beyond were reporting from places like Nauset Beach and the Chatham Fish Pier.

The storm caused a number of full and partial event cancellations, including:

  • The Harwich Cranberry Festival. All weekend events are canceled, and organizers hope to reschedule for October.

  • All shellfishing is prohibited throughout Massachusetts as of sunset Friday until further notice, by order of the state division of marine fisheries. Conditions will be assessed after the storm passes.

  • Nauset Beach ORV trails are closed as of noon Friday.

  • Celebrate our Waters Weekend in Orleans. Some events may still be held; click here for details.

  • Brewster Historical Society's Cobb House and Windmill Village will be closed Saturday.

  • The Harwich Community Center will close at 8 p.m. Friday and all town buildings, including the disposal area and Cranberry Valley Golf Course, will be closed Saturday.

  • The Second Summer charity bike ride Sunday has been canceled.

  • Saturday's household hazardous waste collection in Orleans and Eastham has been canceled.

  • The Chatham Orpheum Theater will be closed Saturday.

 

 

Updated 9:20 a.m. Saturday