Boston, MA – Residents across New England could see dangerous storms take shape by early Saturday afternoon, with the potential for isolated tornadoes, damaging wind gusts, and hail-producing supercells.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, a rapidly strengthening weather system is pushing a cold front into a warm, moisture-rich environment stretching from eastern Pennsylvania through Maine. The combination of rising instability and strong wind shear is setting the stage for rotating thunderstorms, some of which may become severe through Saturday evening.
Scattered storms are expected to initiate as early as 1 p.m., particularly along and east of the I-91 corridor. Supercell development is most likely from southern Vermont and western Massachusetts into southern New Hampshire and coastal Maine. Cities including Hartford, Springfield, Manchester, and Portland are within the risk zone. Tornado potential will be highest in areas where surface winds back near a developing low-pressure wave.
Wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail up to 1.75 inches are possible with the strongest storms. Drivers are urged to stay weather-aware, especially on I-95 and I-84, where visibility could drop quickly in downpours or rotating cells.
Multiple severe thunderstorm and tornado watches are expected to be issued by early afternoon. Residents should prepare for potential power outages and stay tuned to local alerts.
