Boston braces for another round of severe weather which could leave residents grappling with flooding, power outages, and travel disruptions mere days after a historic snowstorm blanketed the region. The National Weather Service is forecasting a sunny but chilled day today, with highs nearing 36 degrees, and wind speeds expected to hover between 7 and 11 mph with the possibility of gusts reaching 22 mph.
By Tuesday afternoon, things will take a drastic turn as rains begin pelting the city with a 30 percent chance of rainfall after 4 pm, escalating to a 100 percent chance by nighttime; these conditions will be complemented by winds that could whip up to a ferocious 50 mph. Alongside the deluge, temperatures are predicted to rise into the mid-40s, contributing to rapid snowmelt and raising concerns over urban, river, and stream flooding, as well as bringing snow to some areas of the state with up to 6 inches expected in higher elevations and the mountains of central New England, according to National Weather Service.
Moreover, the attack of the elements will not relent with "this system will be a highly anomalous, 'juiced up' event for January in New England capable of releasing a lot of water." Flooding is likely imminent, prompting officials to urge residents to take precautionary measures, such as examining sump pumps and clearing storm drains to mitigate potential damages, per CBS News Boston.
The severe weather is foreseen to fortify with high winds, where southeastern Massachusetts coastlines could suffer gusts between 55 and 70 mph thereby drastically increasing the likelihood of widespread service disruptions, including a high-end power outage which could affect over 100,000 households, with the strongest winds expected in overnight hours, also officials remain vigilant for the coastal flood threat posed by the impending storm as high tides coupled with intense wind surges. After the overnight tumult, Wednesday promises some respite with rain easing by 11 am though still windy conditions can obstruct the restoration of power, before the skies clear towards the evening.
Looking onwards, the weekly forecast anticipates a return to sunshine and calmer skies starting Thursday with Bostonians seeing temperatures hover in the mid-40s through the weekend. However, rains might revisit the region by Friday night, suggesting that residents keep their guards up and rain gear at hand.
