We are monitoring two weather systems through the weekend for possible hazardous weather:
A strong cold front will cross the region this afternoon, followed by strong west winds this afternoon and tonight, which will mainly affect the marine community.
Marine Impacts: Gale Force Winds
Locations: Massachusetts and Rhode Island coastal waters
Timing: Onset of Gales between 3 and 6 PM, ending between 3 and 6 AM Saturday, except by 11 AM farther offshore.
Wind Gusts: W 35 to 40 knots, peaking between 8 PM and 2 AM.
Seas: 4 to 7 feet on the inner bays and sounds; 10 to 15 ft offshore.
Impact: Hazardous conditions for mariners.
Uncertainty: Low.
Low pressure is expected to track near Nantucket. As rain overspreads the region Saturday night, it will be cold enough for a wintry mix across parts of the interior with the potential for light icing and impacts to travel. Milder air will cause a change to rain Sunday morning.
Interior Light Icing (See Attached Image):
Locations: Western and north-central Massachusetts, possibly northwest Hartford County, CT, especially in the higher elevations.
Timing: Wintry mix of snow and light freezing rain late Saturday night into early Sunday morning, changing to rain by late morning or early afternoon.
Impact: Slippery travel.
Uncertainty: Timing of the exact changeover. Higher confidence that snow and ice amounts will be light, with up to an inch of snow and a light coating (up to 1/10") of ice.
Minor Coastal Flooding: Sunday Morning High Tide
Locations: Eastern Massachusetts coast (including Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket) and the South Coast
Timing: Sunday morning high tide (5:41 AM at Providence, 8:45 AM at Boston, and 9:46 AM on Nantucket)
Storm Surge: 1.0 to 1.5 feet
Inundation: Less than 1 foot above ground level
Impact: Some vulnerable shoreline roads may become temporarily impassable around high tide.
Uncertainty: High. Timing of highest surge may not coincide with high tide, which would lead to little or no impact. Minor coastal flooding would be the worst case scenario.
Minor Coastal Flooding: Sunday Evening High Tide
Locations: Eastern Massachusetts coast including Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket
Timing: Sunday evening high tide (9:17 PM at Boston and 10:24 PM on Nantucket)
Storm Surge: Around 2.0 feet
Inundation: Up to 1 foot above ground level
Impact: Some vulnerable shoreline roads may become temporarily impassable around high tide.
Uncertainty: Lower than with the morning high tide. Locations along the Bay side of Cape Cod, Plymouth County, and Nantucket are most vulnerable.