Good morning,
A strong frontal system is expected to approach our area later tonight into Thursday, producing periods of light rain starting late tonight.
However, the period of greatest impact is from later Thursday night into Friday morning, with a period of strong to damaging winds across the South Coast and the Islands, and a period of heavy rain accompanying a cold frontal passage.
Changes with this update:
- High Wind Watch Issued: For southern Bristol and Plymouth Counties, Cape Cod and the Islands in Massachusetts, and for Block Island and Newport Counties in Rhode Island. In effect from late Thursday night through Friday morning.
- Gale Watch Issued: For all coastal and offshore waters. In effect from 7 PM Thursday through 7 PM Friday.
Details:
Winds:
- Timing: Winds increase markedly Thursday evening. For the High Wind Watch area, the period of strongest winds during the pre-dawn hours Friday into mid-Friday morning. Breezy to gusty winds could occur in the interior after the cold front passes in the morning hours Friday.
- Peak Wind Gusts: Southwest winds between 40-50 mph, up to 60 mph possible in the High Wind Watch area. Elsewhere, peak winds will be in the 30-40 mph range.
- Impacts: Trees and power lines may be downed, resulting in power outages in the High Wind Watch area. Difficult travel for high profile vehicles.
- Uncertainty: Strong winds will be present just off the surface, though it is not clear how much of these winds will translate to the surface. A line of heavy showers co-located with the front could help focus areas of stronger winds near or potentially just outside of the current High Wind Watch area. After the front clears the region, there is a limited/low potential for west winds to produce sporadic/minor tree limb damage Friday morning in the interior.
Rain:
- Timing: Rain beings tonight. Period of heaviest rain, possibly accompanied by a rumble or two of thunder, is mainly overnight Thursday night into Friday in line with the cold front.
- Amounts: Around 1 to 1.5 inches.
- Impacts: Limited. Isolated poor drainage flooding possible from leaf-clogged storm drains.
- Uncertainty: Areas of thunder could enhance rainfall rates, though this potential would be mainly southeast of I-95.
Graphics pertaining to the peak wind gusts in MPH, as well as the event total rainfall, are attached.
Meteorologist: Andrew Loconto
If you have any questions or would like more information, don't hesitate to contact us via this email address, on NWSChat, or at the following:
National Weather Service Boston/Norton, MA
46 Commerce Way