Ferry service and public transit were canceled and wind-driven snow was falling heavily on the Vineyard early Saturday as a powerful and potentially historic blizzard began bearing down on eastern Massachuetts, expected to bring up to two feet of snow and whiteout conditions on the Cape and Islands.
Emergency preparations were under way all day Friday as forecasters began to track the storm moving up through the mid-Atlantic.
The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy snow and high winds all day Saturday that could gust up to 70 miles per hour as the storm moves through eastern Massachusetts. Blizzard warnings are in effect until 5 a.m. Sunday.
Parking bans are in effect in the down-Island towns and many early business closures have been announced, as Islanders are urged to stay at home and off the roads.
The Steamship Authority and VTA announced Friday that all service would be canceled for the day Saturday.
The Island Health Care clinic in Edgartown is closed.
Complete lists of cancellations and closures are being updated on the Gazette website’s online community calendar, and the What’s Open section.
Dukes county emergency managers are posting storm updates on the county website, including updated shelter information for Island towns.
The utility giant Eversource has sent extra crews to the Vineyard in preparation for expected power outages. Coast Guard station Menemsha and Woods Hole said they were in a state of readiness.
Harbor Homes, located at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (first building on the left), will be open until Sunday at 10 a.m., with three meals a day, and capacity for 18 guests. Contact Lisa Belcastro at 508-560-3678.
The Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society barns are available for temporary emergency animal housing. Contact Lauren Lynch at 732-687-3412, Brian Athearn at 508-962-2477, or Garrison Vieira at 508-989-0039.
Call the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard at 508-627-8662 for emergency needs for small pets.
