Fall River, New Bedford area issued Tropical Storm Watch

A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the Fall River and New Bedford area.

A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm-force winds are possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours.

The National Weather Service has issued the following information.

WIND: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph
– Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force.
– Efforts to protect property should now be underway. Prepare for limited wind damage.
– Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous.
– Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
– Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
– A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
– Scattered power and communications outages.

STORM SURGE: There is little to no threat of storm surge flooding. Rough surf, coastal erosion, and life-threatening rip currents are possible.

FLOODING RAIN: Peak Rainfall Amounts: 2-4 inches, with locally higher amounts. Potential for moderate flooding rain.
– Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are possible.
– Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding.
– Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life.
– Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues.
– Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, and ditches overflow.
– Flood waters can enter some structures or weak foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.

TORNADO: Tornadoes are not expected. Showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds may still occur.