Updated 12:15 pm Sunday, February 15, 2015
Forecasters expect heavy snow to end by mid-afternoon on Martha’s Vineyard, but a blizzard warning, and a wind chill advisory remained in effect at noon Sunday.
After an initial burst of snow Saturday night, and a relatively calm night, the winds picked up and heavy snow moved over the Island shortly after dawn. The National Weather Service predicts temperatures hovering near zero degrees later this evening and overnight, with wind chill factors as low as 20 below zero.
“Conditions will remain dangerous for travel through this evening due to blowing and drifting snow, reduced visibility and dangerously cold wind chills,” forecasters wrote in a wind chill advisory issued at 9:21 am Sunday morning. “Power outages can be expected at some locations due to very strong winds.”
Winds were less severe than forecast, with sustained winds peaking at 36 mph, and gusts peaking at 53 mph at the height of the storm Sunday morning.
The Steamship Authority cancelled all ferry service to and from Martha’s Vineyard on Sunday, and advised trips Monday will be on a trip by trip basis.
Though state officials did not declare a driving ban, police departments across the Island urged residents to stay at home, so snow removal crews can clear roadways.
Official snow totals for Martha’s Vineyard are not yet available, and the blowing and drifting snow made official totals almost irrelevant. The fickle nature of the storm also illustrated wide variations in its impact. In Falmouth, weather service observers reported about 6 inches of snow, while observers in New Bedford reported more than 20 inches of snow.
Cancellations
Edgartown asked drivers to use town parking lots after 10 pm, and avoid parking on downtown streets. “Please make preparations to stay indoors and do not travel during the height of the storm and allow plows to clear the roads,” police said in a statement distributed through social media. Katama Road was closed for a time Sunday morning.
Tisbury declared a parking ban on downtown streets beginning at 10 pm Saturday evening.
First Congregational Church of West Tisbury has cancelled Sunday morning worship service. If you have any questions, please call 508-693-2842.
The West Tisbury Library and the Vineyard Haven library will be closed on Sunday, February 15 due to inclement weather. They will also be closed on Monday, February 16 for the holiday, reopening at 10am on Tuesday February 17th.
Polly Hill Arboretum has cancelled their winter walk scheduled for Saturday February 14. There will be another walk on March 14, weather permitting.
The Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse has postponed their Wicked Good Winter Cabaret show, “Love and Valentine’s,” scheduled for Saturday February 14 to next Saturday February 21.
Featherstone has postponed their “I Love Ewe” opening scheduled for Sunday February 15 to next Sunday February 22 from 4 to 6 pm.