A persistent nor’easter is delivering heavy rain, coastal flooding, and damaging winds across New England, with total accumulations expected to reach up to six inches in parts of eastern and central Massachusetts before the system moves out on Tuesday morning, according to forecasts.
Heavy Rain and Flood Risks Across New England
Rain will continue to impact the region with embedded heavier spells through the weekend. Forecasters predict total rainfall amounts will range from 3 to 6 inches in eastern and central Massachusetts when the storm finally pulls away Tuesday morning. While significant, the extended duration of the precipitation is expected to minimize the risk of widespread street, stream, and river flooding. Minor coastal flooding is anticipated due to the combination of astronomical high tides, a storm surge of around 2 feet, and high surf.
Wind Damage and Power Outages
A High Wind Warning remains in effect along the coast, Cape, and Islands through 8 a.m. Sunday, bringing potential gusts of 50 to 60 mph. Inland areas are under a Wind Advisory for possible gusts between 40 and 50 mph. These wind speeds are capable of causing tree damage, particularly because trees still retain full leaves, and power outages could persist through tomorrow before conditions begin to improve.
Coastal Impacts and Rough Surf
Onshore winds are creating severe maritime and shoreline hazards. A High Surf Advisory remains active through 8 p.m. Sunday, calling for waves between 6 and 13 feet that could trigger beach erosion in vulnerable areas. Simultaneously, a Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for the coast, Cape, and Islands through 8 p.m.
Forecast and Expected Improvements
The dreary, wet, and windy weekend weather will keep temperatures in the upper 50s to lower 60s. The storm system will begin to weaken and drift away from New England on Monday, causing rain to taper off during the afternoon and winds to gradually ease. Drier conditions will arrive Tuesday ahead of a much larger shift on Wednesday, when sunshine returns and temperatures climb back into the 70s.
