Good evening everyone, Unfortunately technical difficulties continue and precludes us from issuing our full graphics package. However here is an abbreviated version for now. We apologize for any inconvenience and will issue a full graphics briefing as soon as the technical issues have been resolved. *What has changed ...* ** *High Wind Watch in effect for all of RI & Eastern MA including coastal CT (Middlesex & New London) Thu night into midday Fri * Storm Watches for all RI and MA waters Thu night into Fri * Flood Watch for Litchfield county of CT and Berkshire county of MA *Damaging Winds/Power Outage Potential ... * * South to southeast winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph possible Thu night into midday Fri. Strongest winds over RI and Eastern MA. Residents should prepare now for potential power outages. If forecast trends upward, a High Wind Watch may be extended westward into CT and central MA. *Heavy Rain & Potential Flooding ...* * Widespread 1-2 inches of rainfall expected with isolated amounts of 2.5-3.0 inches across RI, CT and into Western-Central MA. If forecast confidence increases on these higher rainfall amounts becoming more widespread, then a flood watch may be expanded. However, as of now a flood watch is only in effect for Litchfield and Berkshire counties. *Coastal Flooding ...* * Minor coastal flooding is possible along the south coast of MA and RI during the Friday morning high tide, which is around 4 am. Preliminary storm surge values of around 2 ft along the south coast of MA/RI, to upwards of 3 ft around Providence and New Bedford. This would result in minor coastal flooding. Strongest wind and surge are expected to occur after high tide, from about 7 am to 10 am. This would keep coastal flooding in the minor category. However, if the strongest winds and surge arrive earlier, there is a risk for more significant flooding. *Dense Fog ...* * Very warm/moist air with temperatures in the 50s to near 60 Christmas Eve night into Christmas morning, streaming across the snowpack may result in areas of dense fog, especially across Western-Central MA where snowpack will linger the longest. This would likely impact travel. Frank Nocera & Torry Gaucher If you have any questions or would like more information, don't hesitate to contact us via this email address, on NWSChat <https://nwschat.weather.gov/>, or at the following: National Weather Service Boston/Norton, MA 46 Commerce Way Norton, MA 02766 508.622.3280 Website <http://www.weather.gov/boston> | Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/NWSBoston> | Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/NWSBoston>
