Massachusetts braces for weekend nor'easter with coastal flooding and strong winds

A powerful fall nor'easter is set to affect Massachusetts beginning Friday and lasting through the weekend, bringing hazardous coastal conditions, strong winds and periods of heavy rain. A coastal flood watch and high surf advisory are in effect for the same period as forecasters anticipate waves of 6 to 17 feet and minor flooding during each high tide, with up to one foot of water possible in vulnerable areas. Moderate to severe beach erosion is also expected because of large breaking waves, prolonged onshore winds and elevated surf.

Along the coast, sustained north-to-northeast winds of 15 to 30 mph are forecast, with gusts reaching 50 mph and isolated gusts near Cape Cod and the Islands approaching 60 mph. Inland locations will experience gusts of 30 to 40 mph, with isolated tree damage and scattered power outages possible.

Rain is expected to begin Friday afternoon in southeastern Massachusetts and continue through the weekend, tapering off Monday as the system moves away. Projected totals are 1–2 inches for inland areas and 2–6 inches for the coast, Cape Cod and the Islands. Because the precipitation will be spread over several days, flash flooding is not considered a major threat, though localized ponding and reduced visibility are likely.

The National Weather Service advises residents, especially those near the shoreline, to monitor updates and avoid coastal areas during periods of high surf and high tide.