Featured Health & Environment

Coastal Storm Could Bring Record Flooding to Boston’s Waterfront

Friday’s Nor’easter will be a major coastal storm with flooding forecasted to be as bad, if not worse higher than during the January 4th snowstorm. With a 3 to 4 foot storm surge, the high tides could reach over 15 feet. Further, this storm will last over at least three high tide periods into Saturday. The National Weather Service is calling this a potential “LIFE & DEATH situation for those living along the coast”.

NWS: COASTAL FLOODING …
Onshore hurricane force winds, offshore waves to 40′, 3-4′ storm surge, moderate to major coastal flooding forecast; COASTAL FLOOD WARNINGS for E MA, ADVISORIES for S MA & RI; dangerous, life-threatening situation; ocean exposed communities at greatest risk.

Three high tides are expected to occur in Boston on Friday at 11:15 a.m.Friday at 11:45 p.m. and Saturday at 12:05 p.m, along with heavy rain and sustained winds of 20-40 miles per hour (MPH) with gusts up to 65 MPH.

NWS: DAMAGING WINDS …
Onshore hurricane force gusts, otherwise a general 30 to 50 mph E / NE wind, mainly late Friday into Friday night; downed limbs, powerlines, structural damage especially along the coast.

INLAND FLOODING …
A lot of rain expected with this storm, some locations see up to 3 to 4 inches w/ locally higher amounts; poor drainage / urban flooding to be expected, more so along the coast w/ high tides, surge; river flooding possible; FLOOD WATCH in effect.

The City encourages residents to be aware of the upcoming weather, and understand their risk of flooding by looking at the latest FEMA flood maps: https://msc.fema.gov/portal.