Heavy rain forecast raises fears of flooding

By Globe Staff

A storm barreling toward Massachusetts this weekend is expected to bring 1 to 3 inches of rain that could cause small rivers and streams to spill over banks.

"There is the potential for flooding through most of Massachusetts," said Alan Dunham, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Taunton. "There is a fairly decent snow pack in southeast New Hampshire, around the Worcester Hills, and the Berkshires. There is a lot of water sitting there already."

While flooding is only expected to impact small rivers and streams, officials plan to keep a close eye on the Concord, Merrimack, and other major rivers.

The storm is rumbling up the East Coast from the Southeast. The rain is expected to start falling in Massachusetts late Friday and become heavy by morning Saturday. It is expected to last until late Saturday night. Winds may average 30 miles per hour in Boston and 40 miles per hour off the Cape and Islands.

Last month, 7.94 inches of precipitation feel at Logan International Airport, setting a February record. This month, 0.89 inches of precipitation has been recorded.

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