Tropical storm warnings issued in Massachusetts as Hurricane Lee heads for New England – Boston 25 News

In Massachusetts, South Plymouth, South Bristol, West Plymouth, East Norfolk, Suffolk, Eastern Essex, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties are all under a Tropical Storm Warning until further notice.

Wind gusts of up to 60 mph are possible in these areas, as well as wind damage, severe flooding and heavy rain.

A coastal flood warning has been issued for Nantucket and Barnstable counties. Coastal flood warnings are in effect for eastern Essex, eastern Norfolk, eastern Plymouth, Suffolk and Dukes counties.

There is also a high surf warning in effect for South Bristol, South Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket, Eastern Essex, East Norfolk, East Plymouth and Suffolk counties.

By 9:30 p.m. Friday, Lee was orbiting about 250 miles southeast of Nantucket and moving away from Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The National Hurricane Center said a Category 1 storm was expected to approach the coast of New England and Atlantic Canada on Friday and Saturday.

“Hurricane Lee is expected to pass offshore of southern New England on Saturday but its effects will extend far from the center of the storm. Lee should bring rough surf, damaging winds and bands of heavy rain to coastal areas of Massachusetts on the least”.

Boston 25 Meteorologist Tucker Antico likened Lee’s influences on New England to the Nor’easters.

“Heavy rain and windy conditions will occur overnight through most of Saturday. High surf and some coastal flooding are possible. This should look like your typical Easter Sunday,” Antico said.

Below Initial risks A concern with Lee, according to the NWS:

• Harmful winds: The winds will intensify on Friday and remain active until Saturday night. Tropical storm force winds are expected to arrive early Friday and continue through Saturday near the coast, especially on Cape Cod and the islands, where downed trees are likely. These winds, accompanied by high seas, will also be dangerous for sailors.
• Coastal flooding – Pockets of moderate flooding are likely on the Cape Cod Bay side and on the north side of Nantucket, at high tide late Friday night and again early Saturday afternoon. Flooding could reach one to two feet deep in these areas. Along the rest of Massachusetts’ east coast, minor flooding less than 1 foot deep is expected. Large waves can bring debris onto coastal roads.
• High surfing: Dangerous surf with large breaking waves will occur along the Massachusetts and Rhode Island coasts along with dangerous rip currents on ocean beaches.

Here are the potential impacts, according to the NWS:

• winds: Protection from hazardous winds that have limited potential impacts across coastal Massachusetts, but primarily on Cape Cod and the islands. Potential impacts in this area include:

– Lightweight objects that are not fixed in the wind.

– Cuts many large tree branches. A few trees were cut down or uprooted, but in greater numbers in places where the trees were shallow-rooted.

Some roads are impassable due to debris, especially within urban or densely forested areas. Dangerous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roads.

– Scattered power and communications outages. Elsewhere across southern New England, little or no impact is expected.

• Evictions: Listen to local officials for recommended preparedness actions.

In a social media post, the hurricane center said dangerous surf and rip conditions are possible throughout the Northeast into Canada.

For the latest news tracking Lee, stay with Boston 25 online and on air.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates when more information is available.

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