09/24/2026
Nor’Easter this Weekend in Provincetown/Truro
The Town continues to monitor a large, slow-moving coastal storm expected to affect the Outer Cape from Friday through the weekend. The storm may linger into early next week and could take until Tuesday or Wednesday to leave the region. Its exact track and timing remain uncertain, and the National Weather Service has low to moderate confidence in the level of impacts.
The Town is coordinating with local and regional emergency management partners and will share updates as the forecast becomes clearer.
What We Are Monitoring
Strong winds and power outages: Gusts of 55–60 mph or higher are possible on the Cape and Islands, with the strongest winds currently expected Saturday. An NWS graphic issued Wednesday morning showed a 74% probability of gusts exceeding 40 mph in Provincetown at 5 p.m. Saturday. Because trees are still fully leafed out, falling limbs and power outages are a particular concern.
Coastal flooding and erosion: Minor coastal flooding is possible as early as Friday afternoon and may occur during multiple high tides through the weekend. Persistent east to northeast winds, large waves and the full moon increase the risk of beach erosion. The extent of flooding will depend on the storm’s track, wind direction and timing relative to high tides.
Dangerous marine conditions: Gale Warnings and Storm Watches have been issued for coastal waters. Storm-force gusts are possible over the water, and seas could reach 15–25 feet on the outer waters.
Heavy rain and localized flooding: The NWS indicates a potential for 2–4 inches of rain across eastern Southern New England. Some forecasts show 3–5 inches in parts of the Cape, with locally higher amounts possible. Rainfall totals remain especially sensitive to the storm’s final track.
Expected Timing
Thursday: Winds and seas build.
Friday: Rain is currently expected to begin by evening. Minor coastal flooding could begin with the afternoon high tide.
Saturday: The strongest winds and heaviest rain are currently expected.
Sunday into early next week: The storm is expected to weaken but may remain nearby, prolonging rain, wind, rough seas and coastal impacts.
Residents can monitor the NOAA water-level forecast for Provincetown Harbor as conditions develop. Forecast water levels may change as the storm approaches.
Prepare Your Property and Household
Residents, property owners and businesses should take precautions now:
Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, signs, decorations, trash and recycling containers, and other loose items.
Move vehicles and valuables away from low-lying or flood-prone areas.
Clear gutters, downspouts and nearby storm drains where it is safe to do so.
Charge phones and backup batteries, and prepare for possible power outages or blocked roads.
Check medications, medical equipment and supplies, including home oxygen, and make plans for anyone who may need assistance.
Stay away from beaches, piers, breakwaters and other exposed areas during hazardous conditions. Never walk or drive through floodwater, and stay clear of downed utility lines.
Operate portable generators outdoors, well away from doors, windows and vents.
Food safety during an outage: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. An unopened refrigerator generally keeps food cold for about four hours; a full freezer generally holds its temperature for about 48 hours, or 24 hours if half-full. Have shelf-stable food, drinking water, ice or frozen gel packs, and a cooler available. Discard perishable food that has been above 40°F for four hours or more, and discard food that has contacted floodwater.
