BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS — Forecasters are increasingly confident that a powerful coastal storm will affect southeastern New England this weekend, bringing periods of heavy rain, strong winds and minor coastal flooding.
Rain is expected to begin Friday and continue through Monday. Most areas across southeastern New England could receive between 2 and 4 inches, while some coastal communities may see 6 inches or more if the heaviest rain bands remain in place.
High winds and coastal flooding are expected to be the primary concerns. Flash flooding could also develop in areas where intense rain repeatedly falls, although no river flooding is currently forecast.
Boston Area Could See the Heaviest Rain
The latest five-day precipitation outlook places the highest rainfall totals across eastern Massachusetts, including Boston and surrounding communities.
The Boston region is generally within the 4- to 5-inch rainfall zone, with the heaviest forecast amounts concentrated near the coastline. Coastal communities from the North Shore to the South Shore and Cape Cod could receive more than 6 inches if storm bands stall over the same locations.
Forecast totals and timing may still change. Weather officials say the exact position of the heaviest rainfall will become clearer as the storm approaches.
Providence and Hartford Face Significant Rainfall
Providence, Rhode Island, and Hartford, Connecticut, are expected to receive approximately 3 to 4 inches of rain during the multi-day storm.
That amount could result in ponding on roads, poor-drainage flooding and difficult travel, particularly in urban areas and locations with clogged drainage systems.
Western Connecticut and western Massachusetts are currently expected to receive somewhat lower totals, generally between 2 and 2.5 inches.
Rainfall Forecasts Across the Region
Rainfall amounts are expected to vary considerably across New England and upstate New York.
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Concord, New Hampshire, could receive totals near the higher end of the storm’s rainfall shield, with 4 to 5 inches possible southeast of the city.
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Areas near Montpelier, Vermont, may receive approximately 1.5 to 1.75 inches.
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Portland, Maine, is forecast to receive around 2.5 to 3 inches, while Bangor could see 0.75 to 1 inch.
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Far northern Maine near Caribou may receive only a trace to 0.1 inch.
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Albany, New York, sits near the western edge of the heavier rainfall area.
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Syracuse could receive approximately 1 to 1.25 inches.
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Watertown and Buffalo are expected to see lighter totals, generally between 0.1 and 0.5 inch.
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New York City could receive approximately 1.5 to 1.75 inches.
Strong Winds Could Cause Power Outages
Heavy rain will not be the only threat. Strong wind gusts, especially along the coast, could break tree limbs and bring down power lines.
Because many trees still have their leaves in late September, they may be more vulnerable to wind damage. Scattered power outages are possible, particularly in coastal communities and areas where trees are weakened by saturated soil.
Residents should secure outdoor furniture, trash cans, decorations and other loose objects before the strongest winds arrive.
Coastal Flooding Possible During High Tide
Minor coastal flooding is expected along vulnerable shorelines. Low-lying roads, waterfront neighborhoods, harbors and other exposed areas could see water rise during high tide.
Strong onshore winds may push additional water toward the coast, increasing the risk during high-tide cycles. Coastal residents should monitor local tide times and move vehicles away from flood-prone roads and parking areas.
Flash Flooding Could Develop
Although the rain is expected to spread across several days, flash flooding remains possible in the heaviest bands.
Repeated downpours over the same location could quickly overwhelm storm drains and cause flooding in:
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Urban streets.
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Underpasses.
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Small streams.
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Low-lying neighborhoods.
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Areas with poor drainage.
Cities such as Boston, Providence and Worcester could be particularly vulnerable to street flooding because extensive pavement prevents rainwater from soaking into the ground.
No River Flooding Expected for Now
The current forecast does not call for river flooding. Because the rain is expected to fall over several days instead of arriving all at once, rivers should be able to handle the runoff more gradually.
Officials will continue monitoring river levels, however, especially if rainfall totals increase or the heaviest precipitation shifts farther inland.
How to Prepare
Residents across southeastern New England can take several steps before the storm arrives:
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Clear leaves and debris from storm drains, gutters and downspouts.
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Charge mobile phones and portable battery packs.
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Keep flashlights and extra batteries available.
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Secure patio furniture, trash containers and other loose outdoor items.
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Avoid driving through flooded roads.
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Never attempt to cross moving water, even if it appears shallow.
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Check local high-tide times if you live near the coast.
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Move vehicles from low-lying or flood-prone areas.
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Continue checking updated forecasts through Friday.
The storm’s exact track, timing and rainfall totals remain uncertain, but coastal southeastern New England—including the Boston area—appears most likely to experience the heaviest rain and strongest impacts.
