Storm Could Rapidly Strengthen Off New England, Bringing Strong Winds
A storm crossing the Northeast on Friday could rapidly strengthen once it moves off the New England coast. It is expected to bring strong winds, dangerous seas and the coldest air of the season so far. The storm will also end a stretch of record-setting fall warmth across the central and eastern U.S.
Storm Could “Bomb Out” Off the Coast Friday Night Into Saturday
The storm will form along a strong cold front and move from the Great Lakes across the Northeast on Friday, according to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC). Widespread rain is likely Friday into early Saturday. The National Weather Service office in Boston expects about a quarter inch to just over a half inch of rain in southern New England, with some spots near an inch.
When the storm moves over the open Atlantic Friday night, some computer models show its pressure dropping into the 970s or even the 960s, according to the FOX Forecast Center. That would make it a “bomb cyclone.” That term describes a storm whose pressure drops at least 24 millibars in 24 hours, a sign it is strengthening rapidly.
Winds will shift to the northwest behind the storm on Saturday. Gusts of 40 to 50 mph are possible along the New England coast and in cities such as Boston and New York City, as well as farther inland. The NWS in Boston expects gusts of 35 to 45 mph across southern New England. That’s enough to bring down tree limbs, many still full of leaves, and cause scattered power outages.
Over the water, gale-force gusts up to about 52 mph and seas up to 12 feet are forecast off southern New England Friday night and Saturday. Winds could top 70 mph closer to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Because the winds will mostly blow offshore, the risk of major coastal flooding along east-facing beaches is low.
The storm comes days after the remnants of Hurricane Isaias brought up to 1.5 inches of rain to parts of southern New England.
The Bigger Story for Some: Mountain Snow and a Hard Freeze
Cold air behind the storm will turn rain to snow in the higher elevations. One to 3 inches of snow is possible in the Adirondacks, the Green and White Mountains and northern Maine Friday night into Saturday. The WPC says high winds are also possible in the Northeast’s higher elevations Saturday.
Saturday will feel more like late November in many places. Highs may struggle to reach the 40s inland, and Boston may not reach 50 degrees. Gusty winds will make it feel even colder.
What’s Next
Sunday morning is expected to be the coldest of the season so far. Interior valleys of Pennsylvania, New York and northern New England could drop into the upper 20s and low 30s. The NWS in Boston says a freeze is likely across interior southern New England Saturday night. Anyone with tender plants or outdoor faucets should take steps to protect them before the weekend.
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