Heavy Rain, Coastal Flooding Expected Across South Shore Friday

A flood watch, high wind watch, and coastal flood watch were issued for the entire South Shore Friday and Saturday as a nor'easter makes its way to the area. The storm is expected to drop 2-3 inches of rain and churn dangerous winds of 60 mph or higher. The flood watch is in effect Friday morning through Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. "Moderate to major" flood damage is likely up and down the coast and conditions will be "life-threatening" for mariners, NWS said.

Locally, shore roads could see up to 3 feet of water and many could be impassible and closed during high tide, which may bring a 3 to 4 feet surge.

The storm is part of a nor'easter affecting the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Snow is expected in parts of New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. Western Massachusetts could see an inch or two of heavy, wet snow.

In Eastern Massachusetts, the rain and wind are expected to pick up Thursday at about 11 p.m. The strongest winds are expected Friday afternoon into Saturday morning. The rain is expected to continue through early Sunday.

"Greatest concern is a high risk for moderate to possibly even major coastal flooding along the eastern MA coast," the latest National Weather Service-Boston forecast read. "In addition, heavy rain, damaging wind gusts and fresh water flooding are possible especially across eastern MA and RI. Rain may eventually change to wet snow in some locations."

Drier and warmer air returns Sunday.

By Jason Claffey (Patch Staff)

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