Brace Yourself! Southern New England Hit by Fierce, Dangerous Wind Gusts Today – Stay Alert

Southern New England is currently experiencing a significant weather event characterized by strong and potentially damaging wind gusts.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a wind advisory that remains in effect until 10 PM today, warning residents of gusts ranging from 45 to 55 mph, with isolated bursts exceeding 60 mph, particularly in western and central Massachusetts. This advisory follows a period of rainfall that occurred overnight, which has contributed to the current conditions.

Power Outages Massachusetts

The strong gusts have caused some pockets of damage and a few scattered power outages. Some of the strongest gusts are expected across the higher terrain and along our coastal waters.

If you still have holiday decorations set up outside, it would be a good idea to secure them and frequently save work on your computer if you’re working from home, just in case the power flickers off Thursday. The strongest gusts will subside as the sun sets, but they could still top out at 15 to 30 mph on Thursday night.

In general, a lot of gusty days are forecast right into next week. While the strongest winds are here Thursday, most days will gust in the 20 to 35 mph range for the foreseeable future, making for some brisk and chilly January weather.

What’s next?

The other trend the NEXT Weather Team is tracking is a shift to a steady stretch of seasonably cold temperatures that will be with us through mid-January. There will be lots of days with highs in the upper 20s to low 30s, though snow chances are relatively minimal.

If we are going to see any significant snowfall over the next 7-10 days, the best shot is Monday, as a system zips off south of Massachusetts.

If we are going to see any significant snowfall over the next 7-10 days, the best shot is Monday, as a system zips off south of Massachusetts.

If it can trend north over the next couple of days, there’s a chance it could bring some accumulating snow to southern New England. We’ll be sure to keep an eye on that system and let you know whether to expect any snowfall to start out 2025.