Updated Jan. 27
Services and businesses across the Vineyard have reported disruptions due to the winter storm that arrived on the Island Sunday.
Various Island businesses closed their doors for the day, with some also already announcing closures Monday. Island schools announced they’d be closed on Monday as well. There have also been delays or cancellations to transportation services.
As snow continues to fall Sunday night, the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasted that between eight and 12 inches of snow is expected to accumulate on Sunday. It is expected to transition to “snow, freezing rain, and sleet” before 1 am. The federal agency is forecasting winds between 17 to 26 mph and gusts up to 36 mph. Additionally, the NWS expects a possibility of “new snow and sleet accumulation of 3 to 5 inches” overnight.
The Island is expected to see rain, snow, and sleet Monday, which could transition to just snow after 9 am. Although not as blustery, the NWS is forecasting frigid wind chills.
A winter storm warning is in effect until 8 pm on Monday, Jan. 26, and Island police have also responded to vehicles stuck on the snowy roads Sunday.
Various businesses, like Rockfish in Edgartown and Waterside Market in Vineyard Haven, announced early closures Sunday because of the weather. Others already decided to stay closed on Monday, like Morning Glory Farm in Edgartown and Martha’s Vineyard Bank.
At least one business had opted to tough out the storm on Sunday. The Mobil gas station in Edgartown will stay open until 10 pm for fuel, food, and coffee for snow plow drivers.
Island Health Care announced it will be closed on Monday due to the weather and said its staff will contact patients to reschedule appointments.
“Our phones will be monitored by our after-hours answering service,” Island Health Care wrote in a social media post. “Please visit ihimv.org for the latest information on reopening. For medical emergencies, call 911 or go to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital Emergency Department. Stay safe & warm!”
Cancellations also hit the Vineyard Transit Authority, with multiple bus routes closing early on Sunday and delays and cancellations expected for Monday.
Meanwhile, the Steamship Authority canceled trips beginning Sunday evening due to the weather and its reservation office in Mashpee was closed early at 1 pm. The ferry line’s reservation office will remain closed on Monday, as will its administrative offices in Falmouth.
“If you need to make or change a reservation, please do so online or, if conditions allow, at a terminal,” the ferry line wrote in a social media post. Updates to trip statuses can be found on the Steamship Authority website.
Towns also announced disruptions to service. Edgartown Police posted that a 24-hour street parking ban took effect starting 12 pm Sunday and will last until Monday at 12 pm to help with snow removal, although its municipal parking lots will remain open. Town libraries also closed early on Sunday, and some will remain closed on Monday. Some towns, like Tisbury, will close town facilities on Monday.
Closures over inclement weather also align with state guidance. Gov. Maura Healey directed non-emergency state employees to stay home on Monday and urged employers to allow people to work remotely if possible.
Storm resources and tips
In preparation for the storm, the Dukes County Emergency Management Association announced guidance for what to do for the storm. For Island-wide emergency text alerts, sign up here.
People who lose power can report outages to Eversource at 1-800-592-2000. If you encounter downed power lines, stay away and call 911.
The following locations will be open as warming centers from Monday to Thursday:
- Monday, January 26 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM: First Congregational Church of West Tisbury (1051 State Road, West Tisbury)
- Tuesday, January 27 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM: The Federated Church (45 South Summer Street, Edgartown
- Wednesday, January 28 & Thursday, January 29 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: The Red House Peer Recovery Center (12 Beach Street, Vineyard Haven) Must be one-day sober
These are the recommendations for Island residents to prepare for the storm from the Dukes County Emergency Management Association:
- Check your heating system and ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries
- Charge phones, medical devices, and backup batteries
- Limit time outdoors during extreme cold and dress in warm layers
- Bring pets indoors and ensure their food and water do not freeze
- Protect pipes by insulating where possible and opening sink cabinets to allow warm air circulation
- Check on neighbors, especially older adults or anyone who may need extra assistance
- Plan ahead for potential travel impacts Sunday into Monday and avoid unnecessary travel during hazardous conditions
The state also recommends checking exhaust vents of appliances to be sure “they are not obstructed by snow or ice.” If an outage occurs and a generator is needed, state officials ask people to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and to be careful.
“Never use a generator indoors, not even in an open garage. Point the exhaust away from doors and windows. Turn the generator off and wait for it to cool before you refuel it. Plug appliances in using outdoor-rated extension cords,” a state press release reads.
Some people will travel on Monday, and state officials recommend those who do to “clear snow and ice from your vehicle’s windows, lights, hood and roof” and to “utilize safe winter driving practices, including leaving extra room for braking and stopping in slippery travel conditions.” State officials also ask drivers to not “crowd plow or maintenance vehicles” and to “stay back at least 200 feet and don’t pass on the right.
In a previous version of this story, a photo caption mislabeled the Old Whaling Church as the Federated Church.
Thank you for all the wonderful pictures, so we can vicariously see what it is like out there, while we are warm and cozy at home.
That’s not the Federated Church…
it’s a snowy church, representative.