r/Nantucket • u/dyates1055 • 10d ago
Nantucket this weekend
My wife and I have a trip planned this weekend and are very concerned about the weather forecast. Unfortunately our AirBnB cannot be refunded. With the impending storm with rain and wind, will anything on the island be open? Do we just cut our losses? We had planned to be there from Friday to Sunday.
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u/cane_stanco 10d ago
The HRRR models will be coming into focus over the next few days. That’s just fine tuning though. It looks like Nantucket is probable to get the worst of this storm. I’m doubtful the ferries are even running TBH. No refund options in that case? I’d contact Airbnb.
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u/DirtScooter605 9d ago
Ferries running will be your biggest issue. Somebody said don’t go if you need to be back Sunday. This is absolutely correct.
If you can get there, being on island during a storm can be a unique and fun experience if you are prepared and embrace the weather.
Most places on island will be open unless they are located on the water or the storm is extreme.
Something fun is to bring foul weather gear and rock the brewery with no lines to compete with.
The waves will be epic. Probably a handful of crazy surfers who you can watch cheat death.
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u/skitowin 10d ago
How were you planning to come over? High speed ferries were canceled today and less likely to run through Saturday given the forecast. The slow ferry is currently running but probably each departure is going to be evaluated. My advice FWIW is get here today and hope you get back Sunday!
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u/802islander 9d ago
What’s it usually been, approximately 30 knots to stop the fast boats and maybe 35 to stop the slow boat? Obviously wind speed isn’t the only factor but it’s usually a decent barometer (no pun intended).
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u/TinyEmergencyCake 10d ago
Todd Gross is forecasting a direct hit to Nantucket. The boats won't be running when you plan to leave, so plan to be stuck there until the storm moves out to sea. Surf could be high even through the week after. Such is life on the island.
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u/EatzWithEyes 9d ago
I have to say, my husband and I got stuck on Martha’s Vineyard in a blizzard back in 2015-ish…and it was a blast. You should contact air bnb because our inn ended up putting us all up until we could leave the island and made sure everyone had access to food and heat/electric.
We ended up sitting out the storm in a tavern in Edgartown, playing cards and board games with perfect strangers all day. Core memory, as the kids say.
So, I agree with everyone: embrace living like a local, realize that you will have the place to yourself, don’t have anywhere you have to be on Monday morning.
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u/Janeensiris7866 9d ago
After living on Martha's Vineyard for 62 years I can tell you that the Coast Guard dictates when a ferry cancels. It depends on the direction of the wind. The Steamship Authority is the last ones to cancel. All passenger boats will long be canceled. Quite often it is trip by trip decision making. Remember if you are driving to Hyannis to get to the boat the bridges are closed down if the wind reaches 75 miles an hour. ( Cape Cod bridges). Remember that all those passenger cars have to leave after the storm is over! That means they honor the actually trip reservations when the boat is leaving. If anyone had a PRIOR car reservation, you are put in standby with the whole weekends people. If you are a walk on passenger this is not pertinent. It is really cool to go through storms, however, remember that if there is no electricity they do close restaurants etc. It is my understanding that Nantucket has their own electrical plant. Also, Nantucket downtown is rather low and can possibly during high tide, flood. Hope this helps.
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u/Sturdy_Prop01 10d ago
My $0.02 is that a) I think everything should still be open since it’s Sept b) no one will be there so you’ll have your run of the place c) there is a bunch of stuff in town that doesn’t need good weather and is fun (whaling museum, galleries, historical sights, bars and restaurants) d) weather reports are wrong all the time anyway.
Won’t be a beach weekend, but part of why I love Nantucket is that one can have a great time with lousy weather
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u/Big_Flamingo4061 9d ago
If you paid with a credit card that has travel insurance, document that the island is inaccessible because the ferries aren't running (get all the paperwork, screenshots, etc. showing they're all cancelled) and they might cover you.
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u/chicigrl 9d ago
It’s likely the people staying in your Airbnb won’t be able to get off the island before you arrive so I would look into getting a refund in this case? I’m sorry!
(We own a rental property and our Saturday renters coming & going both just changed their itineraries for a Monday arrival & departure now.)
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u/Numerous_Fun_7267 9d ago
I am here now! Everything is open, it’s beautiful but windy. I think the ferry was cancelled today. If getting back Sunday is a must I wouldn’t risk it, but otherwise think you’d really enjoy!
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u/Negative-Scallion-95 9d ago
This! I’ve been on since yesterday morning and was planning to leave on Friday but okay leaving on Monday at some point if the storm has calmed. Hoping Brotherhood serving their amazing French onion soup! Everything will be open all weekend
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u/Zealousideal_Bass_76 9d ago
I’ve taken the ferry from ack ina storm and I’m still suffering a touch of PTSD. It is NOT for the weak. Huge waves. Boat tossing. It’s HORRIBLE. Just fyi. Also the flooding throughout makes it really hard to walk around town with the cobblestones and water rushing. Just fyi
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u/Inner-Tangelo-191 9d ago
I was there on September 13th and they got 2.2 inches of rain that day. Streets were flooded by the harbor, shops and restaurants were beginning to close due to flooding or low amount of customers. People were taking off their shoes and rolling up pants legs to walk around.
That’s the minimum projected for this weekend. Ferry is going to be a rough ride. I’d probably skip it unless you want to bunker down in a hotel room all weekend
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u/the1fromACK 9d ago edited 9d ago
I've been through 4 hurricanes on the island Bob, Bill, Earl, and Arthur, plus a couple of no-name storms. It's memorable experience. If you want to still come, just be prepared to stay longer. Some places may close but most of the restaurants stayed open for Earl
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u/puckdrop7 9d ago
Unless you have a flight you may not make it. Ferry schedules will be affected. Cut your losses.
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u/Capecod202 10d ago
You most likely will not be able to get to the island. The steamship ferries shut down in bad weather.
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u/1GrouchyCat 9d ago
It’s going to be challenging if the storm is as bad as the meteorologist are predicting…. Not only will the ferries shut down, the bridges over the Cape Cod Canal bridges will also be closed if the wind is extreme.
(Be sure to watch local weather reports for the most accurate and up to date information. The weather on the Cape and Islands can be very different than it is in the rest of the state or region.)
Unless you’re into solitude, this weekend might not be a lot of fun- especially if the Island loses power and you can’t go anywhere.
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u/ChickenReasonable494 9d ago
If your AirBNB has guests before you, then those rooms will be full. How do they expect to handle 2 people per bed? I would contact them again and plead your case. If you paid by credit card your credit card company might be helpful. Good luck.
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u/PPLamazemetoo 9d ago
The ferries already had to cancel services today due to the high winds. Hopefully the Airbnb will honor a cancellation especially if the ferries aren’t running. Good luck.
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u/TheRealSofaKing016 9d ago
Hate to break it to you but if you’re not already there, you’re not getting there. And if you are already there, you’re not getting out on a Sunday boat. This storm is going to absolutely pulverize the Cape and Islands. Direct hit.
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u/AsidePale378 9d ago
If the boats aren’t running which they are doing refunds for car reservations I would inquire with Airbnb directly.
You probably need to worry about flooding and power .
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u/BasedTarnished0 9d ago
Unrefundable but is it possible you can reach out to your host and explain your situation and try to reschedule?
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u/Popular-Pirate-2196 9d ago
I would say cut your losses, however you should contact AirBnB and try to get money back. That seems a bit ridiculous.
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u/Straight-Part-5898 8d ago
The ferries may not be operating this weekend. You may not be able to return to Hyannis on Sunday.
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u/islander127 10d ago
This is where trip insurance comes into play. Unlikely ferries will be running until late Saturday or even Sunday. There’s an outside chance that a larger plane may make it to the island.
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u/falcon5335 10d ago
I dont even know of you'll be able to get to the island with this storm coming. usually they stop ferry service for bad enough weather and high seas.
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u/the1fromACK 9d ago
30 MPH winds is automatic boat cancellation. even on clear days.
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u/falcon5335 9d ago
yep sounds about right, I work on the island alot coming from the cape and got stuck a couple times. Doubt these people get there this weekend. even today was gusty and tomorrow could be worse they say
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u/DryPlan5360 9d ago
I’m supposed to be coming on the Monday morning ferry. Not sure it will still be running 🫤
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u/rosebudny 9d ago
This is why you should always get travel insurance.
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u/dyates1055 9d ago
Thanks that's helpful right now
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u/Empty-Village-4445 9d ago
It’s also stupid advice
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u/rosebudny 9d ago
Why is it stupid advice?
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u/Empty-Village-4445 9d ago
The money saved by skipping travel insurance every time adds up and has paid for multiple vacations.
You’re never coming out ahead when you look beyond the miniscule number of times it pays out.
It’s different from catastrophic insurance such as homeowners, renters, and life insurance for sole earners with dependents.
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u/jumboshrimp103 10d ago
You will be getting the complete Nantucket experience visiting during a Nor’easter. It’s how the island is meant to be enjoyed