DEDHAM, Mass. — Power outages, wind damage, and flooding are the top concerns in Massachusetts on Wednesday as an impact storm packing torrential rain and fierce wind gusts moves through the region.
Steady rain will cause slick spots in the morning, but the storm will intensify during the afternoon into the evening, significantly slowing the commutes with downpours and whipping wind.
“Dress accordingly. You’ll want a rain jacket and the rain boots,” Bston 25 Meteorologist Vicki Graf said in her latest forecast. “I’m starting to advise against packing the umbrella because we’re going to see some damaging wind gusts later today. So that wind is really going to ramp up and flip those umbrellas.”
WEATHER ALERT
Graf has issued a Weather Alert due to the possibility of up to 4 inches of rain in some parts of Massachusetts and strong wind gusts that could hit 60 mph.
TIMELINE
Graf described the storm as an “all-day” event, deeming Wednesday a “total washout.”
“We have a long way to go before this storm is out of here,” Boston 25 Meteorologist Vicki Graf said in her latest forecast. “The worst of it arrives later today for the evening commute.”
Downpours are expected during lunchtime and a “wall of intense rain” will move from west to east starting around 5 p.m.
As the rainfall gets heavier, the wind will get more powerful during the afternoon and gust into the evening.
FLOOD WATCH
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for parts of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Worcester, Bristol, Plymouth, and Middlesex counties from 1 p.m. to through Thursday morning.
A widespread 2-3 inches of rain is expected in these areas with localized spots getting 4 inches of rain or more.
“This may result in some small stream and mainstem river flooding. Heavy rain may also result in localized urban flooding and potentially impact part of the evening commute,” the NWS warned.
Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action, the NWS advised.
HIGH WIND WARNING, WIND ADVISORY
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for parts of Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties from 3 p.m. Wednesday until 1 a.m. Thursday.
South winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph could blow down trees and power lines.
The NWS warned that power outages are expected and that travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
Graf advised Bay Staters to secure outdoor holiday decorations before the winds start gusting come the afternoon.
A wind advisory is in effect for interior parts of the state including Worcester, Hampshire, Hampden, and Middlesex counties.
South winds of 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph are expected in those areas.
TEMPERATURES
Wednesday will be mild with temperatures in the 50s and 60s.
Thursday will bring clear skies and cooler temperatures in the low 40s.
Cold air sets in by the end of the week, with highs in the 30s on both Friday and Saturday.
For more on the forecast, visit the Boston 25 Weather page.
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