Massachusetts Weather Forecast: Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued; Floods and lightning are possible

It’s certainly raining cats, dogs and then some in Massachusetts, with heavy rain and thunderstorms raising the possibility of flooding and lightning in the commonwealth on Saturday.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning Saturday afternoon for the entire state as well as parts of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, and it is expected to continue until 9 p.m. The Federal Meteorological Agency warned of the possibility of scattered hailstones up to a quarter in size, scattered winds of up to 70 miles per hour, and frequent lightning in the area.

“The watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms,” the weather service said in a social media post. “Pay attention to the weather changing during this evening and listen to any warnings we may issue when severe storms do occur in your area.”

• Read more: Heat and humidity may mix with a line of thunderstorms this weekend

A more severe flash flood warning that is expected to last until 3 p.m. has been issued for parts of eastern Massachusetts as well, including areas in Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties. Weather radar indicated that thunderstorms are producing heavy rain that could cause flash flooding in Belmont, Boston, Brooklyn, Cambridge, Chelsea, Dedham, Everett, Hull, Milton, Needham, Newton, Quincy, Revere, Somerville, Waltham, Watertown, Wellesley, and Weston. . And Winthrop.

Meteorologists warned people not to change the direction of their cars when they encounter flooded roads, as well as their surrounding areas.

“Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in one hour,” the weather service said in its warning. “Additional amounts of rain of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible in the warning area.” . Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin soon.

• Read more: Community paddlers in Northampton are stuck on the ground as flooding puts the river out of bounds

A severe thunderstorm warning, also more severe than a warning, has also been issued for parts of southeastern Massachusetts. A severe thunderstorm over Scituate is moving southeast at 20 mph. Winds are expected to reach 60 mph, potentially damaging trees and electricity, according to the weather service.

“For your protection, move to an interior room in the basement of the building,” the weather service recommended.

Earlier, the Weather Service issued a flood warning for nearly all of Massachusetts, which was expected to last from 11 a.m. until Saturday evening. Meteorologists warned that heavy rainfall could lead to flooding in low-lying areas and locations with poor sanitation. Excessive runoff can also cause water levels in rivers, creeks and creeks to rise sharply.

• Read more: Northampton is warning of more mosquitoes after recent flooding and rain, city officials say

The Meteorological Department indicated that thunderstorms capable of heavy rain are expected to become more frequent after 4 p.m. until early evening.

“You should monitor subsequent forecasts and heed potential flood warnings,” the weather service said. “Those living in flood-prone areas should be prepared to take action in the event of flooding.”

As the cold front causing thunderstorms fades, a more comfortable air mass will move into the state on Sunday and remain in place through most of next week, according to the weather service. The forecast is subject to a significant change after more than 72 hours.