Massachusetts Weather Forecast: Flood Watch As Rain Predictions Increase

A storm about to wallop Southern New England could be even worse than initially expected. The National Weather Service upgraded its hazardous weather outlook to a flood watch spanning nearly all of Massachusetts east of Worcester.

Rainfall amounts are now predicted to hit 1-3 inches. Flooding may develop, particularly in urban and poor drainage areas, if the localized heavier rainfall amounts occur, according to the National Weather Service. (Stay updated on the latest local weather and news by subscribing to Patch.)

The flood watch kicks into effect at 2 p.m. and ends 8 a.m. Saturday morning. The rain should begin in earnest around midday, increasing into widespread downpours Friday night into Saturday morning. At its heaviest, rain may fall at up to an inch per hour.

There is potential for some thunderstorms.

"Enough rain can fall to cause poor visibility and urban flooding for motorists around parts of the eastern Great Lakes, the mid-Atlantic and New England," according to AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams.

Patch file photo