Cape Cod Tornadoes: National Guard Ready, More Resources Needed

CAPE COD, MA — The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes hit Cape Cod Tuesday after originating in a "supercell thunderstorm" in Nantucket and Vineyard Sounds. The first went ashore in Barnstable before lifting in South Yarmouth, and the second appeared in Harwich a few minutes later, according to the NWS. Weather officials said "straight-line wind damage" was seen in Chatham and Dennis.

Gov. Charlie Baker said Wednesday the National Guard is ready to assist in cleanup efforts as he called for more resources on the ground. Baker said it's "very hard" at this point to determine the scope of the debris and damage on the mid-Cape.

Communities are still reeling from multiple tornadoes that touched down, tearing rooftops from buildings, uprooting trees and cutting power to tens of thousands residents and travelers. More than 30,000 people remained without power Wednesday afternoon. Craig Hallstrom, president of regional electric operations for Eversource, said power is expected to be fully restored on the Cape by Friday.

Weather officials classified the tornadoes as an EF1, as they whipped up winds of 110 mph. The EF, or Enhanced Fujita scale, ranks tornadoes from 0-6 in terms of severity.

The first tornado caused significant damage to parts of Yarmouth, blowing the roof off the Cape Sands Inn and sending it into The Cove resort nearby, according to David Christian, a firefighter on Cape Cod. Widespread damage along Route 28 rendered the road "nearly impassable," Christian tweeted.

Yarmouth police said there was "significant damage" to the inn, as well as tree and electrical damage throughout the community. No injuries were reported, according to police.

The Yarmouth Police Department shared a photo of the American flag flying high in front of the Cape Sands Inn, despite the chaos surrounding it.

The NWS said the tornado also uprooted dozens of large trees, blew shingles off a house and sent a tree through the roof of a home in Yarmouth. No injuries were reported.

Yarmouth police said 19 percent of the town remained without power late Wednesday. A pet-friendly regional shelter is open at Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, 210 Station Ave. in South Yarmouth. Residents who cannot drive and need a ride should call 508-775-0445 extension 0.

A Baby Center in Hyannis is providing free assistance for families with children 0-4 years old. Families with baby care needs may call 508-771-8157. A Baby Center is located at 81 Willow Ave. in Hyannis.

Police ask that people coming to the shelter bring all necessary medication and clothing only as needed for one day. Dennis Animal Control advised those with pets to bring at least enough supplies for 72 hours.

The second tornado, which touched down in Harwich, began east of the elementary school, moved northeast through Harwich Center, passed south of the golf course and lifted near Queen Anne Road, according to the NWS. At least 150 hardwood trees were uprooted or snapped, and the winds ripped off shingles from homes, the NWS said. No injuries were reported.

In Harwich, 67 percent of people remained without power Wednesday morning, down from 93 percent on Tuesday, police said. Additional power line and tree cleanup crews are expected in the town Wednesday. Sisson Road and Great Western Roads have reopened, while Pleasant Lake Avenue south of the Queen Anne Road intersection remains closed. Drivers can use Oak Street to access Route 6.

The Brooks Library may be used to charge wireless devices, but it is not a shelter and is not equipped to handle people with medical needs, Harwich police said.

The National Weather Service said the tornadoes and "straight-line wind" caused widespread damage across the Cape Tuesday. Video shot by an employee of MacDougalls' Cape Cod Marine Service showed powerful winds and heavy rain slamming boats in Stage Harbor in Chatham.

"Lines snapping, sails blowing out!" the technician can be heard shouting.

Police across the Cape asked pedestrians and drivers to stay off the roads during cleanup. Officials in Harwich declared a state of emergency and asked Eversource to cut power to the town as emergency crews responded to downed trees and live wires. Harwich police said downed wires turned part of Route 39 into a "parking lot."

In Dennis, residents were advised not to travel Tuesday night. Police said many roads were impassable due to tree and power line damage, and they did not know when power would be restored.

Related: Cape Cod Tornado Touched Down Twice, Towns Picking Up Pieces

Cape Cod Power Slowly Being Restored, Still 30,000+ Without