Massachusetts, October 12, 2025
News Summary
A coastal storm is set to affect Massachusetts this weekend, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and an elevated risk of flooding, particularly in coastal areas. The storm’s strongest impacts are expected late Sunday into Monday, with a Coastal Flood Watch in effect. Residents are advised to prepare for potential power outages and travel disruptions as the storm continues through Tuesday.
Boston — A coastal storm is predicted to hit Massachusetts this weekend and persist for several days, bringing heavy rain, strong wind gusts, and an increased risk of flooding, particularly in coastal communities. The strongest impacts are expected late Sunday into Monday, with lingering effects into Tuesday. A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect from Sunday morning through Monday night.
Immediate threat and timing
The storm will affect southern New England most strongly. Rain is expected to start late Sunday morning for the south coast, with the Cape & Islands experiencing wind increases early Sunday. Rain in Boston is forecasted to begin between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday. The most significant flooding risk is anticipated Sunday into Monday, and minor flooding may begin in low-lying areas as early as Friday afternoon.
Winds, waves, and coastal hazards
Wind gusts during the storm could exceed 55 mph, especially on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. Gusts up to 60 mph may occur along the outer Cape and islands, continuing throughout Monday. Sunday afternoon winds are forecasted to be 20–30 mph inland and 30–40 mph at the coast. Significant wave heights of 5–10 feet are anticipated late Sunday, increasing to 10–20 feet by Monday. Gale Warnings will be issued for outer coastal waters.
Flooding and erosion
Beach erosion and coastal flooding are likely during high tide cycles on Sunday and Monday. Coastal flooding and erosion are expected during Monday’s 5 PM high tide, coinciding with the peak of the storm. Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to review FEMA flood maps and prepare for the storm. Areas in southern New England may receive 1–3 inches of rain through Tuesday, with higher accumulations possible for Cape Cod and Nantucket.
Advisories and watches
Advisories issued ahead of the storm include a Coastal Flood Watch (Sunday morning to Monday evening), a High Wind Watch for Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket (Sunday evening to Monday evening), and a Wind Advisory for Cape Cod (Sunday evening to Monday evening). These watches and advisories reflect the expected timing of the strongest winds, coastal flooding, and hazardous marine conditions.
Impacts to travel and services
Strong winds and flooding may lead to power outages, downed tree limbs, and hazardous travel conditions. Travel disruptions, including delays and cancellations at Logan Airport, are expected due to the storm. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items and prepare for possible power outages ahead of the storm.
Outlook after the storm
Late Monday into Tuesday the storm will weaken and shift away, with lingering effects possible into Tuesday. After the storm passes, midweek is expected to bring clearer weather with temperatures around 60°F. This system is New England’s first nor’easter of the fall-winter season.
What residents should do now
- Monitor local advisories and the Coastal Flood Watch that begins Sunday morning and runs through Monday night.
- Review FEMA flood maps if you live in a flood-prone area.
- Secure or store outdoor furniture, trash cans, and loose items that could become projectiles in high winds.
- Prepare for potential power outages by charging devices and having flashlights, batteries, and an emergency kit ready.
- Plan for possible travel delays, especially at Logan Airport and on coastal roads.
FAQ
When is the Coastal Flood Watch in effect?
A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect from Sunday morning through Monday night.
When will rain begin for the south coast and Boston?
Rain is expected to start late Sunday morning for the south coast, with the Cape & Islands experiencing wind increases early Sunday.
Rain in Boston is forecasted to begin between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday.
How much rain is expected?
Areas in southern New England may receive 1-3 inches of rain through Tuesday, with higher accumulations possible for Cape Cod and Nantucket.
How strong will the winds be?
Wind gusts during the storm could exceed 55 mph, especially on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket.
Gusts up to 60 mph may occur along the outer Cape and islands, continuing throughout Monday.
What marine and coastal conditions are expected?
Significant wave heights of 5-10 feet are anticipated late Sunday, increasing to 10-20 feet by Monday. Gale Warnings will be issued for outer coastal waters due to hazardous conditions.
When is the most significant flooding risk?
The most significant flooding risk is anticipated Sunday into Monday.
Will travel and services be affected?
Travel disruptions, including delays and cancellations at Logan Airport, are expected due to the storm.
What is the broader context of this storm?
The storm is New England’s first nor’easter of the fall-winter season.
Quick reference table
| Item | Area / Timing | Expected impact |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal Flood Watch | Massachusetts coast — Sunday morning to Monday night | Increased coastal flooding and beach erosion during high tides |
| Rain start | South coast — late Sunday morning; Boston — 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Sunday | Heavy rain, 1–3 inches possible in southern New England through Tuesday |
| Winds | Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket — Sunday into Monday | Gusts could exceed 55 mph; gusts up to 60 mph on outer Cape and islands |
| Marine conditions | Outer coastal waters — late Sunday into Monday | Waves 5–10 ft late Sunday, 10–20 ft by Monday; Gale Warnings |
| Travel impacts | Statewide, especially Logan Airport | Delays, cancellations, hazardous road travel, possible power outages |
| After storm | Midweek | Clearer weather expected, temperatures around 60°F |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Nor’easter Tracker Massachusetts
- Wikipedia: Nor’easter
- Boston.com: Boston MA Weather Coastal Storm
- Google Search: Coastal Storm Massachusetts
- Boston 25 News: Coastal Storm Hit Massachusetts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Storm
- CBS News: Boston Nor’easter Weather Maps
- Google News: Boston’s Weather
- NBC Boston: Nor’easter Boston Storm Track
- Google Scholar: Noreaster Weather Impacts
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
