A late spring nor’easter is set to drench and chill Massachusetts with up to three inches of rain and whipping winds, likely making for a bleak holiday weekend.
Rain began late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning in parts of southeastern Massachusetts and in Connecticut, according to National Weather Service forecaster Hayden Frank.
The soaking, cold precipitation is expected to fully blanket the state by 10 a.m. on Thursday as the storm spreads northward, Frank said.
The heaviest precipitation is expected to hit Massachusetts in the afternoon and continue into the evening. This could make for a messy evening commute, Frank warned.
Widespread rain totals should reach between one and two inches, though some parts of the state could see up to three inches of precipitation. Urban flooding may be possible.
A coastal flood advisory was in effect from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Thursday, as sea levels may rise a half-foot above ground level. This could flood low-lying areas and roads near shorelines.
Temperatures will remain chilly in the 40s statewide as the storm rages on, Frank said.
Winds gusts are expected to be between 40 and 50 mph across the state, and Frank warned some parts of Eastern Massachusetts could see gusts up to 55 mph. This could cause tree damage, especially due to heavier leaves.
While no wind advisories were issued as of 6 a.m. on Thursday, a gale warning is in effect from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. for parts of Massachusetts waters. Waves reaching up to seven feet could capsize boats and cause poor visibility.
These conditions are all expected to persist until Friday morning, but there will still be hit or miss showers across the state on Friday and Saturday with temperatures staying cool in the 50s.
Temps should slowly rise through the weekend as the state dries out, and could reach the 60s on Sunday — though a spot shower could still be possible, Frank said. By Monday, the state should be dry and in the 70s.
A nor’easter this late in the season is somewhat unusual but not unheard of, according to Frank, who noted a storm like this usually happens once every four to five years in this late May. Nor’easters generally hit New England in late fall and through the winter.
