Greetings all,
A significant, impactful and potential dangerous situation is unfolding which may perhaps catch some folks off guard as this is an early-season storm system. With increasing confidence, headlines have been updated accordingly to highlight periods in where threats will occur and when we have the greatest concern for impacts.
At this point we are encouraging everyone to plan accordingly, to take action as necessary especially for coastline communities towards the protection of life and property. With the expectation of strong to damaging winds, we're anticipating scattered tree damage along with power outages. Minor, possibly moderate coastal flooding, there are likely going to be issues with vulnerable near-shore roads.
What / Where / When ...
Strong to damaging winds- COAST: Forecast NE max winds sustained 20 to 40 mph, gusts 40 to 60 mph
- INTERIOR: Forecast NE max winds sustained 15 to 25 mph, gusts 25 to 45 mph
- Scattered tree damage, power outages
- Biggest impact for MA & RI coastal communities, especially the Cape & Islands
- Developing today, height of winds around Thursday afternoon, diminishing Friday
Inland flooding- Excessive rainfall risk with short duration 3 to 6 inch amounts, storm total in excess of 8-inches
- Urban, poor drainage flooding especially for coastal communities during high tide + storm surge
- Eastern MA & all of RI, especially the Cape & Islands
- Heaviest rain late tonight through Thursday night
Minor to moderate coastal flooding- Around 2 foot surge with high tides + 10 to 20 foot waves
- Flooding near shore roads, potential closures, inundation of 1 to 2 feet possible
- Eastern MA, especially Nantucket
- Over multiple high tide cycles Thursday and Friday
- Significant beach erosion anticipated
Gale to storm force winds along with dangerous seas- Dangerous sea conditions for all vessels, rescues possible
- Prolonged period of NE gale to storm force winds now through Friday evening
- Forecast NE max winds sustained 25 to 45 kts, gusts 35 to 55 kts
- OUTER WATERS: Forecast max wave heights 15 to 25 feet
- INNER WATERS (bays and sounds): Forecast max wave heights 5 to 15 feet
- Impacts to all waters, building today into Thursday, height around Thursday afternoon into evening, diminishing Friday into Saturday
If you have any questions or would like more information, don't hesitate to contact us via this email address or on NWSChat.
Respectfully,
Benjamin Sipprell
Meteorologist
National Weather Service Boston/Norton, MA
46 Commerce Way