Forecasters issue tropical storm watch for southern New England ahead of arrival of Isaias

The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for most of southern New England in preparation for the potential impacts Isaias is forecast to bring to the region Tuesday night. 

According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Isaias is forecast to regain hurricane strength before hitting the Carolinas Monday evening. The storm is expected to bring tropical storm conditions through the states in its path as it moves northward towards New England on Tuesday. 

Here are the 5 am EDT Monday, August 3 Key Messages for Tropical Storm #Isaias. For the full advisory on #Isaias, visit https://t.co/msBl4Q94BF pic.twitter.com/pzlDkJe59k

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 3, 2020

Isaias is predicted to affect southern New England over roughly a six-hour period with the potential for heaviest rain falling over Western Massachusetts, and some areas could see wind gusts between 40 and 60 mph on Tuesday, according to the service. 

“Isaias is expected to impact southern New England Tuesday night with heavy rain in western areas and gusty winds in eastern areas,” the National Weather Service wrote Monday.

NEW: Tropical Storm Watch for most of #SNE & coastal waters. Tropical Storm Warning for southern CT. #Isaias expected to impact region Tue evening, roughly over a 6-hour period. pic.twitter.com/qgNdnjVbN8

— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) August 3, 2020

While the Berkshires could see 3 to 4 inches of heavy rain, meteorologists are forecasting eastern Massachusetts could see less than an inch. Minor coastal flooding may be possible, along with increased risk for rip currents and high surf on Tuesday and Wednesday, especially for southern-facing beaches.

Forecasters also cautioned that isolated tornadoes may be possible Tuesday. 

“The biggest rain threat will be in western MA/CT or even west of New England, in eastern NY,” forecasters wrote. “Main threat would be urban flooding. Strong winds are possible with gusts 45-55 mph and localized gusts up to 60 mph. Axis of heavy rain and winds will be contingent on the eventual track of the system.”

Forecasters said confidence is “high” that the region will see impacts from the system, but the certainty is “moderate” related to the specific impacts from the storm.