The National Weather Service says confidence is rising that a strong coastal low will affect Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut from Friday into the weekend. Dry, cool, and breezy weather should last through Thursday.
Rain, gusty northeast winds, rough seas, and coastal erosion become the main threats late week. Showers are likely Friday and Saturday, with the highest chances on Cape Cod and the Islands. The storm’s exact track remains uncertain, so rainfall totals could change.
Gale warnings are already in effect for many Massachusetts and Rhode Island waters Wednesday through Thursday, with northeast gusts up to 40 knots and seas of 8 to 13 feet. Seas could build to 15 to 20 feet by Friday. If the low tracks farther west, coastal wind advisories and storm-force marine gusts are possible.
Prolonged onshore winds and high tides around the September 26th full moon raise the risk of beach erosion and coastal flooding, especially on east-facing shores. Mariners are being told to stay in port. Forecasts will continue to shift as the system develops.
