‘Significant and potentially dangerous’: Here’s what local meteorologists are saying about this week’s coastal storm
“Plan accordingly & take action as necessary towards the protection of life & property."
What the National Weather Service is calling a “significant and potentially dangerous” coastal storm is set to bear down on Massachusetts Wednesday through Friday.
With it, the service predicts wind gusts between 40 and 60 mph, particularly for Cape Cod and the Islands, power outages, and between 3 and 6 inches of rain for southeast Massachusetts, with less for the northeast portion of the state.
“Plan accordingly & take action as necessary towards the protection of life & property,” the service said on Twitter.
Key Points for Upcoming Coastal Storm:
Wind:
* 40-60 mph gusts possible, especially Cape/Islands, strongest winds Thu-Fri
* Potential for scattered power outagesRain:
* 2-4+" RI/SE MA, less N/W, potential for urban/poor drainage flooding. pic.twitter.com/0NtrDCNdhp— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) October 8, 2019
Coastal/Marine Concerns:
Coastal Flooding:
* Despite low astro tides, 2 ft surge & 20-30 ft seas may bring minor-moderate coastal flooding along E MA coast.
* Significant beach erosionMarine:
* NE Gale force winds Wed-Sat AM
* Storm-force winds to 50kt possible Thu-Fri— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) October 8, 2019
[Now thru Friday] A significant & potentially dangerous situation is unfolding which may catch some folks off guard as an early-season offshore ocean storm system develops.
Plan accordingly & take action as necessary towards the protection of life & property. #MAwx #RIwx #CTwx pic.twitter.com/eaVCO2YHrx
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) October 9, 2019
The service forecasts “strong to damaging winds,” particularly for the coast and especially for the Cape and Islands. Sustained winds are predicted to be between 15 and 30 mph. The winds were predicted to start Wednesday and be at their worst Thursday afternoon.
“Potential scattered power outages especially w/ trees still fully leaved,” the service said on Twitter. “Can’t rule out some isolated structural damage as well.”
[Strong to Damaging Winds]
Increasing today, peaking @ Thurs afternoon into Thurs evening, subsiding Friday into Saturday.
Potential scattered power outages especially w/ trees still fully leaved. Can't rule out some isolated structural damage as well.#MAwx #RIwx #CTwx pic.twitter.com/r0cDnHJQZz
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) October 9, 2019
Wind gusts were already building on the Cape and along the South Shore Wednesday morning, according to WBZ meteorologist Terry Eliasen. Nantucket had gusts hitting just over 30 mph.
Here we go…getting gusty over parts of the Cape and Islands…and it will remain so for at least another 48 hours pic.twitter.com/Ub4LlfCQaC
— Terry Eliasen (@TerryWBZ) October 9, 2019
[Strong Winds & Building Seas] Northeast winds up to 35 mph are resulting in waves building 5 to 10 ft. If travelling to or from Block Island, Marthas Vineyard or Nantucket make sure to call ahead to see if ferries remain in service. #MA #RI pic.twitter.com/wJ9OzVISbs
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) October 9, 2019
The heavy rain is predicted for late Wednesday through Thursday, with between 3 and 6 inches expected to fall within a short period of time, the service said. The storm could drop over 8 inches total.
The highest amounts are predicted for the Cape and Islands. Boston is in the 3- to 4-inch range, according to the service.
With that, the service is warning of inland flooding for eastern Massachusetts, especially for the Cape and Islands, plus all of Rhode Island.
[Inland Flooding]
Forecasting roughly 3-6 inches across E/SE MA & RI. Locally higher amounts w/ storm total rainfall amounts up to 8 inches possible now through Friday.
Potential urban, poor-drainage issues, esp along the coast during high tides & forecast storm surge / waves. pic.twitter.com/hFU1I3EJdM
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) October 9, 2019
There could also be coastal flooding with waves reaching 10 to 20 feet and a 2-foot surge during high tide, the service said. Some roads along the coast could flood as there could be 1 to 2 feet of water inundation. This is a concern for eastern Massachusetts, particularly for Nantucket, and is anticipated throughout high tides Thursday and Friday.
In addition, for MARINERS, gale to storm force winds are forecast the height of which will be around late Thursday into Thursday night with gusts up around 60 kts (70 mph) possible for the outer waters.
Dangerous boating conditions for all vessels as waves build up to 25 feet. https://t.co/3UeMprAcb7
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) October 9, 2019
“Flooding would be worse, but tides are astronomically low right now,” Boston 25 News meteorologist Shiri Spear said.
Big waves & beach erosion expected on South Shore, Cape & Islands. Flooding would be worse, but tides are astronomically low right now. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/qiBtDvreq3
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) October 9, 2019