Boston, MA – Damaging winds are expected to impact southern New England today, prompting a High Wind Warning for coastal areas and a Wind Advisory for much of the rest of the region, according to the National Weather Service Boston/Norton.
Forecasters say southerly wind gusts of 55 to 65 mph are possible from Providence southward through coastal Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and the Cape and Islands, with the strongest winds peaking from late morning into the early afternoon. A High Wind Warning is in effect for these areas from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.
For the remainder of southern New England, including much of interior Massachusetts, northern Rhode Island, and Connecticut, a Wind Advisory is in effect from 8 a.m. Friday through 1 a.m. Saturday, with gusts generally ranging from 40 to 55 mph.
According to the National Weather Service, this system will also bring a period of moderate to locally heavy rainfall this morning into the afternoon. Conditions are expected to change rapidly later today as colder air surges into the region, flipping winds to the west and ushering in another round of strong gusts tonight. West wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are expected overnight, with isolated gusts up to 55 mph possible across the Berkshires and Worcester Hills.
The combination of strong winds and saturated ground raises concerns for downed tree limbs, scattered power outages, and difficult travel, particularly for high-profile vehicles. Coastal communities may experience the most significant impacts.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor objects, avoid parking near trees, and use caution when traveling. Power outages may occur with little warning.
