Hold on tight to your umbrella if venturing outside Saturday.
An “impactful” winter storm is expected to sweep through Massachusetts on Saturday, bringing heavy rainfall, possible street and river flooding, potentially dangerous icing, some minor snowfall and strong winds to the Bay State in the afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service.
Heavy rain should start falling on portions of central and eastern Massachusetts late Saturday afternoon, lasting through the evening. Two to 3 inches of rain are expected to fall throughout most of the state, including Boston, Worcester and Springfield. Parts of the Cape and Islands, like Hyannis, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Provincetown, should see lesser amounts of 1.5 to 2 inches, the weather service said.
In terms of the timing of the significant winter storm, the heaviest rainfall should arrive in western Massachusetts by 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday. The precipitation will hit eastern parts of the state by 6 to 10 p.m. before exiting the Cape and Island around midnight, the weather service detailed.
While heavy rainfall is forecasters’ biggest concern, there is also the risk for some light snowfall and icing Saturday morning, the weather service noted.
The greatest snowfall amounts are expected across northern New England. Two to 3 inches of snow may fall in the Pittsfield area, while 1 to 2 inches are forecast in southern Berkshire County, Franklin County and northern Worcester County. Elsewhere, less than an inch or no snow at all is anticipated, according to the weather service.
Icing Saturday morning across the interior of the state, where temperatures are in the upper 20s to lower 30s, is another concern. With cold air possibly lingering through the early afternoon across higher elevations in northern Massachusetts, untreated surfaces could become slippery, the weather service said.
A winter weather advisory will remain in effect until noon Saturday, encompassing all areas from the Berkshires to Worcester County. The weather service is warning mixed precipitation and ice could lead to potentially dangerous driving conditions.
“Plan on slippery road conditions,” the weather service said. “Slow down and use caution while traveling.”
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has around 670 pieces of equipment deployed in anticipation of the substantial winter storm. There is currently a 40-mph speed restriction on the Massachusetts Turnpike between the New York border and Westfield.
The potential for 2-plus inches of rain within a 3-hour period will likely lead to widespread street flooding and some river flooding. A flood watch will remain in effect from 8 a.m. Saturday through Sunday morning, covering a wide swathe of the state, including parts of the Cape and Islands, southeastern Massachusetts, the Boston area, Middlesex and Essex counties and the Pioneer Valley, according to the weather service.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the weather service detailed. “Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.”
“Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop,” the weather service added.
A period of gusty wind in southeastern Massachusetts is also forecast late Saturday night into Sunday morning, the weather service noted. A wind advisory will remain in effect in the southeastern part of the state from 5 to 11 p.m. Gusts of up to 50 mph are expected in the affected area.
“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” the weather service said.
