Weather

Winter’s First Nor’easter Heading Toward Watertown on Thursday

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Winter’s first big storm will hit the Boston area on Thursday, with three or more inches of snow forecast for Watertown. 

Snow will fall before 1 p.m., according to the National Weather Service, and will turn to rain. At 5 p.m. it will be a mix of rain and snow. After 11 p.m. the precipitation will turn back to snow. WCVB Channel 5’s early snowfall forecast shows Watertown on the edge of the areas with 1-3 inches and 3-6 inches. The Cape will get less than an inch, while West of Worcester and New Hampshire will get more than 6 inches. Friday’s forecast is for sunny weather with a high of 37 degrees.

Cold Snap

Tips to Prepare for the Cold Snap Hitting the Area Tonight, Friday Morning

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The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency warns residents to be prepared for the cold snap overnight from Thursday into Friday. MEMA officials released the following information:

Bitter cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills are forecast for later this week. Forecasts from the National Weather Service for late Thursday night and early Friday morning include low temperatures between 10° and -5° and wind chill values expected to be cold as -15° to -25° across the interior and -5° to -15° near the coast. While temperatures are expected to warm up by the weekend, extremely cold temperatures and wind chills can be dangerous. “MEMA urges residents to take precautions during the upcoming extreme cold weather.

Weather

Windy Weather in Watertown Today, Frigid Temperatures Friday

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Watertown will be hit by windy weather Thursday, followed by bitter cold temperatures on Friday. 

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning from 5 p.m. on Thursday until 4 a.m. on Friday. Sustained winds will be between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph. The strongest winds are expected after 8 p.m.

The winds could bring down branches and trees, which could lead to power outages. Be prepared with heating alternatives that do not rely on electricity. The winds, combined with low temperatures will create the possibility of wind chills below zero.

Weather

Snow in Watertown’s Forecast, Could Impact Monday’s Commute

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The National Weather Service forecast calls for 1-3 inches of snow in the Boston area, and it could impact the morning commute on Monday. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued from 7 p.m. Sunday to 1 p.m. Monday. Snow will begin falling Sunday night and will turn to rain Monday morning. There is a possibility of freezing rain during the change from snow to rain, according to the National Weather Service. The low on Sunday will be 26 degrees, but temperatures will rise on Monday with a high in the low 40s.

Thunderstorm

Strong Storm Forecast to Hit Watertown Sunday With Possible Lightning

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A strong line of storms is rolling through Massachusetts Sunday and could produce heavy showers and strong thunderstorms in the Watertown area. In Western Mass it has already knocked down trees. The National Weather Services forecast says the storms could hit the Boston area late morning or early afternoon. It could have damaging winds and localized street flooding.

Weather

Expect a Lot of Rain for Over the Next Few Days from Tropical Storm Hermine

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While it appears Watertown will not feel the wrath of Hermine, the former hurricane will still have a big impact on the weather this week as it parks off shore. The storm is forecast to stay off the south coast of New England, and rain and thunderstorms are expected to start tonight and last through Wednesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast calls for rain to start after midnight tonight, and showers and possible heavy downpours are expected through Labor Day, with a chance of thunderstorms after 11 a.m.

Winds will not be too strong, with winds 14-18 mph through the next few days and gusts up to 28 mph, according to the NWS forecast. The Cape, Islands and south coast of New England, however, will get some storm impact. In Watertown, the rain and thunderstorms continue Monday night and could continue through about 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Around Town

Hurricane Could Wash Out Labor Day Weekend & Trash Collection Info

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Hurricane Hermine is forecast to be off-shore this weekend, which could make for a rainy, windy Labor Day. The National Weather Service has a Hazardous Weather Outlook which says the hurricane could hit Southern New England from Sunday into Tuesday with rain and strong winds. The track of the storm, however, remains uncertain, so the impact may change. Due to the Labor Day holiday, trash collection in Watertown will be pushed back a day, so those normally with Monday pickup will be Tuesday, etc. Also, Town Hall and the Watertown Free Public Library will be closed for the holiday.

Government

State Officials Recommend Being Prepared for Hurricanes, Tornadoes

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Hurricanes and tropical storms are not just coastal events. As we saw in 2011 with Tropical Storm Irene, the strong winds and torrential rainfall that often are associated with hurricanes and tropical storms can cause widespread damage well inland and across the entire state. A storm’s strong winds can destroy buildings, down trees and power lines, and result in widespread power outages across the entire state. Additionally, large amounts of rain, particularly over a short period of time, can trigger destructive inland flooding. “The sometimes forgotten threat associated with hurricanes and tropical storms, particularly in our inland communities, is flooding,” stated Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Kurt Schwartz.