A storm hit Massachusetts Tuesday night, bringing rain and strong winds ahead of a cold front that’s predicted to reach the state Wednesday night and rapidly drop temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.
A weather service forecaster previously indicated that rain and snow aren’t expected to be major hazards during this storm, but that high winds likely will be. In fact, two different rounds of “strong to damaging winds” are predicted to impact the state during this storm, the weather service wrote on social media Wednesday morning.
“The first round occurs today with southerly winds. The second round occurs tonight with northwest winds accompanied with heavy rain and a steep drop in temperatures,” the weather service wrote.
The forecast graphic shared by the weather service indicates that the first round of winds are expected to largely affect Southeastern Massachusetts, just barely reaching up into eastern Norfolk and Suffolk County later in the afternoon. Winds up to 50 mph could be felt as early as 7 a.m. Wednesday on the Cape and Islands, but winds up to 60 mph are possible through around midnight.
The graphic indicates that the second round of winds will impact the rest of the state and begin in some areas around 9 p.m. before becoming widespread by 10 p.m. They are expected to lessen in some areas beginning at 2 a.m. and should cease everywhere by 6 a.m.
Where and when wind advisories and warnings go into effect
Several different wind advisories and warnings will go into effect across Massachusetts on Wednesday. The earliest are a high wind warning for the Cape and Islands and a concurrent wind advisory for Bristol, Plymouth and eastern Norfolk Counties that last from 7 a.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday.
Southwest winds of 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are expected during this time and could blow around tree limbs, power lines and unsecured outdoor objects, according to the weather service. Power outages are possible, and travel could be difficult, especially for tall vehicles.
“People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive,” the weather service wrote in the warning.
The next wind advisory goes into effect at 1 p.m. Wednesday and is for Suffolk, western Norfolk, eastern Essex and southeastern Middlesex Counties. Southwest winds of 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected until 7 a.m. Thursday, according to the weather service, and the hazards are the same as the other advisories.
A similar wind advisory goes into effect for Berkshire County around 2 p.m. Wednesday and lasts through 1 p.m. Thursday. West winds of 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph are expected and predicted to peak as the cold front comes through Wednesday evening, according to the weather service. Potential hazards are similar to the other advisories.
The rest of Massachusetts is under a wind advisory from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday. West winds of 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected, according to the weather service, and the potential hazards are similar to the other advisories.
Temperatures and precipitation
Highs on Wednesday are expected to reach the mid to upper 50s across Massachusetts before dropping quickly into the mid 20s overnight, according to the weather service. The rain is predicted to leave the state with an inch or two of rain and is unlikely to cause flooding due to recent dry weather, a weather service forecaster said Tuesday.
Berkshire County may experience some snow beginning at 11 p.m. Wednesday due to even colder predicted temperatures, but little to no accumulation is expected, according to the weather service. All precipitation across Massachusetts is expected to cease between midnight and 1 a.m. Wednesday night.
Temperatures Thursday are predicted to be cooler, with highs in the low to mid 30s in most areas of the state, according to the weather service. The weather is expected to be sunny but breezy, with 15 to 25 mph winds and gusts up to 40 mph.
Warmer weather is predicted to return on Friday and last through the weekend, with highs in the mid 40s on Friday and in the low to mid 50s on Saturday and Sunday, according to the weather service. There is a 30% to 40% chance of rain on Saturday and Saturday night, and overnight lows are expected to increase from the mid 20s Thursday night to the mid 40s by Saturday night.
