Boston, MA Rain taps steadily against windows this morning across Boston, but the real impact is still building offshore. A powerful spring storm is lining up to hit southern New England later today with heavy rain and damaging winds.
Meteorologists warn conditions could deteriorate quickly by evening.
The National Weather Service in Boston has issued a High Wind Warning for eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, while much of western and central Massachusetts remains under a Wind Advisory.
The storm will push widespread rain across the region through tonight.
Rainfall totals could reach 1 to 3 inches, especially across Connecticut, Rhode Island, and central Massachusetts. Urban streets and poor drainage areas could see localized flooding as heavier bands move through.
However, wind will likely bring the biggest impacts.
Forecasters expect southerly wind gusts between 45 and 65 mph, with localized gusts approaching 70 mph along the eastern Massachusetts coastline.
Boston, Plymouth, and Cape Cod could experience the strongest gusts as the storm intensifies tonight.
Drivers traveling along Interstate 95, Interstate 93, and Route 3 may encounter sudden crosswinds, especially on bridges and elevated roadways.
High-profile vehicles will have the greatest difficulty.
The combination of saturated ground and strong winds could also topple trees and power lines. Scattered power outages are possible across eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island tonight.
Thunderstorms embedded within the rain bands may briefly intensify wind gusts.
Conditions begin improving Tuesday as winds gradually ease and clouds break across southern New England.
By Wednesday, cooler but calmer weather settles over the Boston region as early spring air returns.
