A massive storm is taking place across the country Friday into Saturday. For Massachusetts, it means wind, coastal flooding and lots of rain across the state.
Recent snow melt from last week’s snowstorm that dropped as much as 18 inches on parts of Massachusetts, along with a rainstorm earlier in the week that brought 2-3 inches of rain — and significant coastal flooding in neighboring New Hampshire — has the area soaked through.
A new rainstorm beginning Friday and continuing through Saturday is expected to bring a further 1-2 inches of rain across Massachusetts, with isolated areas expecting 2.5 inches.
Flooding
A National Weather Service flood map of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island during the Jan. 12-13 wind and rainstorm. (National Weather Service graphic)National Weather Service graphic
Flood watches extend across southern New England with some isolated patches of more severe flood warnings around rivers expected to rise.
“Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop,” the weather service said.
The National Weather Service warned that rivers will continue to rise well after the rain stops, and also cautioned never to cross a flooded roadway.
In Deerfield during flooding storms over the summer, one vehicle dropped into a 12-foot ravine brought about by a washed out road, and had to be rescued by a firefighter who happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Coastal flooding
Coastal flooding is expected to extend up and down the Massachusetts coast and throughout the rest of the region, peaking at high tide on Saturday. (National Weather Service graphic)National Weather Service graphic
The New Bedford region, the Cape and Islands, the North Shore and the Rhode Island coast are all expected to receive significant coastal flooding with as much as three feet of inundation above ground level.
Boston and the South Shore, meanwhile, are expected to get less severe coastal flooding.
High tide on Saturday — which will be shortly after noon — will be a particularly dangerous time, according to the National Weather Service. Waves are expected to crash onto coastal roads.
Specifically, the weather service said to watch for flooding along Morrissey Boulevard in Boston, which already flooded this week in the wake of Tuesday night’s storm. Roads will be especially vulnerable around high tide due to wave action, it said.
“If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth,” the weather service wrote.
Wind
High winds are expected on either side of the state as yet another storm batters Massachusetts. (National Weather Service graphic)National Weather Service graphic
A high wind warning is in place across the Berkshires and a wind advisory extends along the Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire coasts, with gusts of up to 60 mph possible.
Generally, winds will be blowing from 25 to 45 mph in those regions, according to the National Weather Service. In times of high winds, downed trees and power outages are possible.
While the rain is expected to stop at some point on Saturday morning, the wind is expected to remain through the afternoon.
The National Weather Service predicts the strongest gusts for the Jan. 12-13 storm along the sides of the state. (National Weather Service graphic)National Weather Service graphic
The period of the strongest wind gusts will be from midnight to noon on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. The areas with the strongest gusts are expected to be Pittsfield and Provincetown.
After it’s all over, Saturday night is expected to be clear.
On Sunday, there is a chance of snow in parts of the state, though little accumulation is expected.
