The low‑pressure system that arrived Sunday has stalled just southwest of New England, keeping heavy rain over the region while its strongest winds have begun to subside. Residents of Plymouth County, Bristol County, the Upper Cape, and Martha’s Vineyard have already seen between two and six inches of rain in the past 24 hours.
Rainfall totals and flood watches
Forecasters expect an additional one to three inches of rain across most of eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island today and into Monday. Because the rain is falling gradually, water levels are rising steadily, and a flood watch remains in effect through late Monday night for the affected areas.
Local emergency managers are urging residents to avoid low‑lying roads and to keep an eye on river and stream levels. The National Weather Service notes that the combination of steady rain and high tides could lead to brief street flooding in neighborhoods near the coast and along larger waterways.
Wind and coastal conditions
While the storm’s wind field is weakening, gusts of up to 40 mph are still possible through Sunday evening, especially along the shoreline. High tide on Sunday afternoon is expected to produce minor coastal flooding and splash‑over in typical hotspots. Offshore wave heights remain at 10‑15 feet, with a gradual decline to 5‑10 feet expected by Tuesday.
Beach erosion continues along the Cape and the Islands, and the next high tide that could cause additional flooding is projected around midnight into Monday morning.
What’s next?
The low‑pressure system is forecast to move off the southern coast Monday night, accelerating toward Nova Scotia by Tuesday. By mid‑week, temperatures are expected to climb into the 70s with sunny skies and calm weather, offering a welcome break after several days of rain and wind.
Residents should continue to monitor local alerts, keep emergency kits handy, and follow any road‑closure notices issued by municipal authorities. The storm’s gradual weakening means conditions should improve steadily, but the lingering rain and high tides warrant continued vigilance through Monday.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
