Mon Mar 17 09:30:00 UTC 2025: **Severe Weather to Slam New England After Sunny St. Patrick’s Day**
BOSTON – New England enjoyed a mild St. Patrick’s Day, with temperatures reaching 69 degrees in Boston and 70 in some inland areas. However, the pleasant weather will take a dramatic turn Sunday night as a powerful storm system moving up from the South brings heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds to the region.
The storm is expected to hit Western Massachusetts around dinnertime, with Boston experiencing the brunt of the weather later in the evening, well after sunset. Southerly winds will increase as the storm approaches, bringing warm, moist air. Heavy rain will persist overnight, potentially producing 1 to 2 inches of accumulation across Southern New England, with some areas seeing higher totals. The South Shore, southeastern Massachusetts, and Rhode Island are expected to be hardest hit.
Wind gusts of 40 to 50 miles per hour are possible Sunday night and into Monday morning, prompting a wind advisory for parts of northern Berkshire County, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The heavy rain could lead to minor flooding in Southern New England, and a flood watch is in effect for parts of Vermont due to the rain and rapid snowmelt. Isolated flood warnings have also been issued for rivers in New Hampshire and Maine.
A stalled cold front may cause light to steady rain to linger across eastern New England into Monday morning, potentially leading to ponding on roads during the morning commute. The storm’s impact is expected to be widespread:
* **Greater Boston:** Windy conditions and mostly cloudy skies with highs in the mid-60s before heavy rain arrives late Sunday night. Up to 2 inches of rain are expected.
* **Central/Western Mass.:** A spot shower is possible during the day, followed by heavy rain and gusty winds Sunday evening and overnight.
* **Cape and Islands:** Warm temperatures in the mid-50s and strong winds are forecast for Sunday, with heavy rain and up to 2 inches of accumulation arriving Sunday night.
* **Rhode Island:** Overcast skies and temperatures in the low 60s (upper 50s near Newport) are expected. A sprinkle is possible before strong winds and rain arrive in the evening. Up to 2 inches of rain are possible.
* **New Hampshire and the Rest of New England:** Partly cloudy skies and increasing winds on Sunday, with rain arriving Sunday evening and continuing into the overnight hours.
Residents are urged to monitor weather forecasts and prepare for potential power outages and flooding.
First Piper 