BOSTON (WHDH) - Soaking rain and plowable snow is moving towards Massachusetts, with strong winds and severe coastal flooding being the main concerns for Friday’s nor’easter.
RELATED: Storm closings and delays
The entire coast from Nantucket to the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border is under a coastal flood warning from Friday morning to Saturday afternoon. Moderate to major flooding is likely.
“This may be a life-threatening situation,” the National Weather Service said of the storm, which could cause widespread damage to homes, structures and roads.
The NWS says tidal storm surge of 2-4 feet is possible. Three astronomical high tides will occur during the storm: 11:15 a.m. (FRI), 11:46 p.m. (FRI), 12:05 p.m. (SAT).
Eastern Massachusetts is under a flood watch, with heavy rain expected to hit the area starting Thursday night. Two to four inches is likely to pour down.
Areas near Provincetown, Scituate, Revere, Gloucester and Newburyport could be hit hardest with flooding.
Rainfall forecast…many cities and towns between 2-3". Flood watch likely–make sure those sump pumps are ready to go. #7news pic.twitter.com/U08NWRTgvO
— Jeremy Reiner (@jreineron7) March 1, 2018
List of cities and towns and coastal flood categories. Quite a few (including Boston) in Major Flood category. #7news pic.twitter.com/K44QVLoiY7
— Jeremy Reiner (@jreineron7) March 1, 2018
A high wind warning of up to 75 mph is expected in Southeastern Massachusetts. A high wind watch is in effect for metro Boston, North Shore and Worcester County with gusts up to 65 mph.
RELATED: ‘We expect to lose homes’: National Guard activated ahead of severe storm
The strong winds could lead to power outages, with the coast seeing scattered outages and further inland dealing with isolated outages.
A combination of heavy, wet snow and strong winds along the coast mean power disruption likely by afternoon and evening. Plug those mobile devices in tomorrow morning. #7news pic.twitter.com/aQYKyha4Kc
— Jeremy Reiner (@jreineron7) March 1, 2018
A winter storm warning has been posted for parts of Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Worcester and Middlesex County. Rain is expected to flip over to snow Friday night.
The Berkshires could see 8-14 inches of snow. Central Massachusetts could see up to eight inches. Metro Boston, North Shore, South Shore, South Coast, Cape Cod and the Islands will likely see 1-4 inches.
Rain changes to snow between 3-6pm. A heavy wet snow. Worcester County…towns over 1000' in elevation (Ashburnham, Rutland, Princeton, Gardner) likely 8-12" of snow. Metro Boston could see up to 4" of snow..or as little an inch. #7news pic.twitter.com/a4YkBk8OrL
— Jeremy Reiner (@jreineron7) March 1, 2018
Travel conditions are expected to be treacherous at times. The public is being asked to make informed travel decisions.
“We encourage members of the public to make safe and smart decisions such as not driving through flood waters, never driving over or near downed power lines, and reducing speeds when there is low visibility due to heavy rain and snow,” said MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.
Due to the forecast, the MBTA says it has suspended all ferry service.
Click here for the latest weather updates.
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