Massachusetts

With Power Restored on Cape Cod, Officials Hopeful Tornadoes Did Not Impact Tourism

"We are here and it’s going to be a gorgeous weekend,” said State Sen. Julian Cyr

What to Know

  • Two EF1 tornadoes with wind speeds of up to 110 mph touched down, causing intense damage in some areas
  • The most extensive damaged was recorded in Harwich, where the town declared a local emergency

Days after two tornadoes tore through part of Cape Cod, Massachusetts officials are reminding vacationers that the summer destination is open for business. With power restored, they are hopeful the storms do not hurt the busy tourism season any more.

State representatives from the Cape and Islands joined U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Bill Keating at Harwich Town Hall Friday before taking a tour of the damage.

“Isolated pockets were impacted, but broadly, we are here and it’s going to be a gorgeous weekend,” said State Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro.

Markey said they are working on the documentation needed for a disaster declaration. They said the trigger to be eligible for relief funds is roughly $9.6 million and they expect the Cape to top that.

“We’re hoping that as quickly as possible the communities can document all of the harm. After that, we’re ready to go to bat,” Markey said.

Gov. Charlie Baker activated the National Guard on Thursday to assist with the cleanup. Crews were clearing trees around Lovers Lane in Harwich for most of the day on Friday.

The town is also waiving the fees to drop off tree debris at the dump in Harwich until Aug. 6. The line was long to get in the facility on Queen Anne Road with some families making multiple trips just to clear out their yards.

“It’s hard. It’s a lot of work and I have several bruises from making 17 trips,” Vicky Moran of Harwich said. “But we have to get it done.”

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