BOSTON — Parts of New England, including Boston and Worcester, saw record rainfall on Christmas Day as warm weather and 50 to 70 mph wind gusts passed through the area.
7 p.m.: Flood Warnings canceled across Mass.
5 p.m.: Flood Watch canceled for the area. Some Flood Warnings remain in effect but those are set to expire by 7:00 pm. as the rain is moving out.
3 p.m.: Flood warnings remain in effect for parts of Mass. Rain to continue this afternoon before cold air arrives Saturday.
Noon: The high wind warning has dropped for Massachusetts, but an advisory remains in effect.
The High Wind Warning has dropped for our area, a Wind Advisory remains in effect through this afternoon for the Cape & Islands and NH. pic.twitter.com/YefPiLOwSf
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) December 25, 2020
Record rainfall in Boston, Worcester, Providence and other local areas
11 a.m.: Many areas are seeing record rainfall as it’s continuing to rain. Since midnight, Boston has .98 inches.
Well, record rainfall is official in Boston, Worcester, Providence, Hartford & Manchester. And it's still raining. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/ipsPlePCsF
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) December 25, 2020
Flood warning issued for central Massachusetts
9 a.m.: Shiri says there’s a flood warning for central Massachusetts where 1 to 2 inches of rain is causing small rivers to reach their banks.
FLOOD WARNING in central MA where 1-2" of rain have small rivers reaching their banks. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/guZ7IT1Lzi
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) December 25, 2020
Flood Warnings being issued as heavy rain progresses across the area... pic.twitter.com/aCSCnq8Rq4
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) December 25, 2020
Whipping winds
8 a.m.: More than 7,200 customers across Massachusetts are without power, according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
The wind is whipping this morning! Be prepared to possibly lose power today. Remember to:
— Julianne Lima (@JulianneLimaTV) December 25, 2020
•Keep devices charged
•Have flashlights/batteries handy
•Check your generator (if you have one!)@boston25 pic.twitter.com/RIJl8xn3fQ
7:40 a.m.:
Gusts so far as wind damage reports start to increase... #mawx @boston25 pic.twitter.com/VK5vl88xcI
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) December 25, 2020
Power outages spreading across Massachusetts
7 a.m.: More than 3,700 customers are without power, according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
A warm, windy & wet holiday ahead. The worst of the wind and rain will pass through the morning through lunchtime. @boston25 #mawx pic.twitter.com/hWNSHhixfa
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) December 25, 2020
The squall line with the best chance of producing damage is moving into central MA now & will progress northeast through the morning. Gusts 60 mph+ possible. @Boston25 pic.twitter.com/UrG06gJtpV
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) December 25, 2020
Power outages are expected
5:30 a.m.: Widespread power outages are expected across Massachusetts, especially through noon.
With strong winds today, the power outage risk is greatest through noon. Be safe! @boston25 #mawx #boston pic.twitter.com/LSwg33YuEZ
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) December 25, 2020
Here we go...
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) December 25, 2020
Your weather photos and reports are much appreciated this Chrismas morning! @boston25 pic.twitter.com/AN2QzUhmDW
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Winter driving tips from MassDOT:
- Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights, even the hood and roof, before driving, (start with the tailpipe).
- Leave plenty of room for stopping
- Remember that the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
- Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
- Bridge decks freeze first. Due to the difference in the exposure to air, the surface condition can be worse on a bridge than on the approach road.
- Exit ramps are an even greater challenge during the winter since they may have received less anti-icing material than the main line.
- Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows – stay back at least 200 feet and don’t pass on the right.
- Seat belts should be worn at all times – it’s the law.
- Most importantly please remember to slow down.
Additional snow content:
- Ice safety tips for safe winter fun
- What is wind chill and how can it hurt you?
- How and when to protect your pipes from freezing
- Winter weather: How to shovel, remove snow safely
- Here’s what to have in your snow emergency kit