Bay State residents along the coast spent Friday preparing for a weekend nor'easter that forecasters said could bring 60+ mph winds, up to 6 inches of rain, extensive beach erosion, and 20-foot waves over three days.
The National Weather Service issued a High Wind Warning, Coastal Flood Warning, and High Surf Advisory for the entire coast of the state, with the biggest potential for erosion and storm damage on east-facing coastal locations on the North Shore, South Shore, Cape Cod, and the Islands.
"Our top priority is keeping people safe, and Massachusetts is prepared for this storm," Gov. Maura Healey said. "It isn't often we see nor'easters this early in the fall, but our teams are closely monitoring the forecast, coordinating with local officials and ready to respond quickly to support communities before, during and, after the storm."
With leaves still on the trees, strong wind gusts may down tree limbs and cause scattered power outages, especially near coastal areas. Drivers should expect slow travel from Friday evening through Sunday and should follow local officials' instructions regarding any road closures due to flooding or downed trees, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency said. High-profile vehicles are susceptible to strong wind gusts.
The NWS warnings begin on Friday and last through Sunday. Rain is expected to linger into early Tuesday with 2 to 4 inches across much of the region and up to 6 inches on south-facing coastal locations.
Peak wind gusts are expected late Friday into Saturday, with near-hurricane-force winds possible along the coast.
Waves will reach up to 20 feet just offshore. All residents are warned to stay out of the ocean, whether on a boat, kayak, or swimming.
Thunder is possible during the height of the rain on Saturday and Sunday, according to the NWS.
Rain will arrive from the south late on Friday, with most seeing the first showers turning to pockets of driving rain early on Saturday. Winds were to ramp up throughout Friday to 40 mph and reach peak gusts of 60 mph Saturday into Saturday night.
The state is urging residents to take in or secure any loose objects in their yard that may be blown over by strong winds, monitor conditions closely, and ensure that emergency alerts are enabled on your cell phone. If your community has a reverse 911 system, residents should sign up to receive local warnings.
Residents are also urged to make sure their home emergency kit is stocked with supplies that could help in the event of a power outage. Fully charge cellphones, laptops, and any essential electronic devices. Ensure there are extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices.
See Latest Forecast (NWS):
Friday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Breezy, with a northeast wind 18 to 24 mph.
Friday Night
Rain likely, mainly after 5 a.m. Patchy fog after 5 a.m. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 56. Breezy, with a northeast wind 17 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Saturday
Rain. Patchy fog between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. High near 59. Windy, with a northeast wind 23 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Saturday Night
Rain. Patchy fog before 9 p.m. Low around 54. Breezy, with a northeast wind around 24 mph, with gusts as high as 49 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Sunday
Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 5 p.m. High near 63. Breezy, with a northeast wind 21 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 47 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday Night
Rain and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 56. Breezy, with a northeast wind 15 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Monday
Rain before noon, then showers after noon. Patchy fog before 9am. High near 62. Northeast wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Monday Night
Showers likely, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. North wind 8 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Calm wind.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Light and variable wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Southwest wind 3 to 5 mph.
Thursday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.
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