Boston is bracing for a powerful storm system that is set to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding across Massachusetts this weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecast sunny skies today with a high near 47 degrees, turning to rain tonight which could become heavy at times, with winds picking up sharply and temperatures rising overnight, as per the NWS.
Massachusetts is still reeling from a recent snowstorm and earlier rains that soaked the region, setting the stage for this weekend's storm to potentially cause serious flooding problems. Flood watches have been announced across southern New England, with the weather service warning residents in flood-prone areas "to be prepared to take action should flooding develop," reported by MassLive. Heavy rains starting Friday and continuing into Saturday are expected to further saturate the ground with an additional 1-2 inches of rain, and rivers are set to rise well after the rain stops.
The storm is also forecast to bring high winds, with the NWS issuing a high wind warning in the Berkshires and wind advisories along the coastal areas of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Wind gusts could reach up to a whopping 60 mph in some areas. Due to these high winds, the threat of downed trees and power outages is looming over residents.
Coastal regions in Massachusetts, particularly New Bedford, the Cape and Islands, the North Shore, and the Rhode Island coast, are gearing up to face significant coastal flooding that might lead to three feet of inundation above ground level. "If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth," advised the NWS during the storm warning and added that high tide on Saturday afternoon is expected to be a particularly dangerous period for coastal flooding, making it critical for residents to fully prepare.
After the storm passes, clearer skies are anticipated for Saturday night, which should offer a brief respite from the stormy weather. Sunday's forecast includes mostly sunny conditions with a high near 40 degrees, as stated by the NWS, and a chance of snow is on the horizon for parts of the state, although little accumulation is expected.
