Heavy Rain, Strong Winds to Hit at Peak of A.M. Commute

Heavy rain will fall during the peak of the Wednesday morning commute, according to the National Weather Service, with the possibility for strong and severe thunderstorms and damaging wind gusts in North Andover.

There is also a “low probability of an isolated tornado,” the weather service said.

Showers and thunderstorms moved into western New England after midnight and have already made their way to eastern Massachusetts and the North Shore by early morning this morning.

“Brief heavy rain may result in some poor drainage street flooding during the Wednesday morning rush hour, so allow extra time to reach your destination,” the weather service statement said. “A few strong to severe thunderstorms are also possible with localized damaging wind gusts.”

The highest risk for severe weather is in eastern Massachusetts, including North Andover, plus Connecticut and Rhode Island.

“Downed branches and perhaps some downed power lines are possible as trees are still fully leaved,” the weather service said.

After the showers move through the region this morning, the breezy conditions will stay in place tonight into Thursday.