Providence, RI – A powerful gust rattles holiday lights across New England this morning as an intense wind event grips the region. Flags whip over the highways, and tree limbs sway heavily in what forecasters warn will be one of December’s strongest wind days so far.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston/Norton, a Wind Advisory remains in effect through 10 a.m. Friday for much of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and northern Connecticut. West winds are expected to sustain between 20 and 30 mph, with gusts that could top 50 mph at times — especially across elevated and coastal areas.
Travelers should prepare for sudden gusts along I-95, I-90, and Route 1, where crosswinds could make driving difficult for high-profile vehicles. Loose outdoor decorations, trash bins, and light furniture could be blown around, while scattered power outages are possible as branches snap under stress.
Meteorologists note that the blustery setup follows a strong cold front sweeping east. Behind it, skies will clear and temperatures will drop sharply by Friday night. Looking ahead, conditions turn calmer but cold for the weekend, with a possible snow chance Sunday as another system tracks toward the coast.
5-Day Outlook (Dec. 11–15):
- Friday: Sunny, windy early, high 33°F.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high 38°F.
- Saturday Night: Cloudy, low 26°F.
- Sunday: 60% chance of snow, high 32°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 33°F.
