Irene – Sunday Midday Update

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11:35AM

As of 11AM, the center of Tropical Storm Irene is over western CT, heading for west central MA on a north northeast track, and will be moving into northern New England during the afternoon from the VT/NH border eventually into Maine. Top sustained winds are down to 60 MPH but with higher gusts, and this large wind field still extends several hundred miles out from the center.

What to expect from here on…

Rain: Expect the heaviest and steadiest rain west of the storm track with more showery but still at times very heavy rain to the east. The heaviest areas of rain will lift north northwest across the Boston area through 1PM. Expect rainfall amounts 1-4 inches east of the track, 4-7 inches to the west, with locally heavier amounts. River flooding most likely in the heavy rain areas to the west. Rivers east of the center will not likely flood and should handle the rainfall fairly well. Poor drainage flooding will be a bigger concern in these areas during and shortly after the heavier rain periods.

Wind: East of the storm track, winds mostly from the southeast to south, 35-45 MPH with higher gusts. Winds will shift more to the southwest and west as the storm center moves into northern New England, and some of the strongest wind gusts may actually occur as Irene moves away. West of the track, expect northeast to north winds 15-35 MPH with higher gusts, but strongest winds there will be northwest to west behind the storm, 25-40 MPH with stronger gusts, likely over 50 MPH for a period of time this evening. Additional tree damage will occur, causing some additional power outages.

Storm Surge:  Another surge around 4 to 6 feet is expected with the evening high tide along the South Coast, especially the bays. Storm surge flooding will not be a problem along east-facing coastal areas in the evening as winds by then will be blowing offshore. These areas will see some splash-over and minor flooding due to rough wave action, however.

Tornadoes: Isolated tornadoes are possible in heavier rain bands during the next couple of hours, but this threat is diminishing.

Updated Boston Area Forecast…

THIS AFTERNOON: Overcast through into mid afternoon with numerous tropical showers including some downpours. The heaviest rain in the Boston area should occur through about 1 or 2PM. Mostly cloudy later afternoon with additional tropical showers, heavy at times, with brief sun possible through some breaks in the clouds. Mild with tropical humidity. High 70-75. Wind SE increasing to 25-45 MPH gusting 40-60 MPH, occasionally stronger, shifting more to S and eventually SW during the day.

TONIGHT: Lingering showers early as clouds break, followed by clearing late. Still humid. Low 65-70. Wind W 15-35 MPH with gusts over 40 MPH, still may reach around 50 MPH over exposed higher elevations, diminishing somewhat overnight.

MONDAY: Mostly sunny. Warm and still humid. High 80-85. Wind W 15-30 MPH early, diminishing slowly.

MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. Low 58-63. Wind W 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY: Sunny. High 74-79. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Sunny. Low 56. High 78.

THURSDAY: Mostly sunny. Low 62. High 83.

FRIDAY: Partly sunny. Low 63. High 82.

SATURDAY: Partly cloudy. Low 65. High 84

18 thoughts on “Irene – Sunday Midday Update”

  3. Not sure if my emails are going through- someone please respond. Just got back from meeting my friend. I left my house and 5 houses down I was greeted by a huge tree blocking the rd. Just got back home and my neighbor just had 3trees come down in the front of the house, we just cut them down. Streets around here are littered w/ branches.
    Tk please let me know what the timeframe is here on the worst.

  10. I see u john. Power out here and only have cell service if I stand in door. Will shut down to preserve battery. John I take it u have power but tom
    Hasn’t posted for a while so suspect he may not. I’ll be back later. Stay safe

  11. Hi Guys- yes power is on here but flickering. Trees coming down here left and right. 5house down a big one came down blocking rd. My neighbor had 3 come down in front. When the wind comes through it is strong. TK please let me know on what time the worst is for here on the south shore. Is it now. If not I am concearned.

    1. Not sure. Different email? It flagged something different. But I didn’t look for the details. You’re all set.

  14. Radar is showing some mid level precip moving extremely rapidly around what appears to be almost a secondary circulation trying to get going right over eastern MA. This may translate down to the surface as some very strong wind gusts this afternoon. Already had 2 of them here, over 50 MPH, strongest winds so far in Woburn.

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