A major windstorm will impact the Boston region overnight. Here’s what local meteorologists say to expect.

Widespread power outages are possible.

Forecasters are calling for heavy wind and rain across Massachusetts on Thursday. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff

updated on February 17, 2022

1 minute to read

Those in eastern and southeastern Massachusetts should prepare for power outages Thursday night and Friday morning, as damaging winds are predicted overnight.

What was a High Wind Watch from the National Weather Service (NWS) is now a High Wind Warning for those areas beginning 11 p.m. Thursday until 9 a.m. Friday, and widespread power outages are expected.

The NWS predicts southwest winds between 25 and 35 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph in most of southeastern Massachusetts and up to 65 on the South Coast and on the Cape and Islands. The worst winds are expected to gust between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m.

The NWS advises avoiding being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches during the storm. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home and avoid windows. If you have to drive, use caution.

The chance of rain Thursday night has gone down to 80%, and showers aren’t expected until after midnight. Only a quarter to a half inch of rain is expected. The rain could continue until 8 a.m. Friday.

Temperatures on Friday are expected to reach a high of 61 degrees at 5 a.m. before dropping during the day, which should be cloudy and breezy, and reaching 34 degrees by 5 p.m.

There is a small chance of snow Saturday afternoon, evening, and overnight, ranging from 20% to 40% during that time. Sunday will be sunny but in the 30s.

Here’s what local meteorologists are saying about the storm:

National Weather Service:

[Strong-Damaging Winds/Heavy Rain] Strong to damaging wind gusts are expected after midnight; with the strongest of those winds across RI/SE MA between 2 & 8 am Friday morning. Brief heavy rain may also result in typical nuisance street flooding for the early Fri am commute. pic.twitter.com/Wrjl6NvfB7
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) February 17, 2022

[Rapidly Falling Temps Friday] Near record high temps early Fri am along with strong-damaging winds/rain will be followed by dry, but much colder weather with rapidly falling temps. 6 am temps in the upper 50s to lower 60s will drop into the 30s to lower 40s by 2 pm. pic.twitter.com/pGDsQDQH4d
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) February 17, 2022

Pamela Gardner, NBC10 Boston:

First Alert: Midnight to 8am Friday. Damaging wind and some power outages with the strong wind gusts. South wind could push 60-70 mph across southeastern New England. @NBC10Boston @NECN pic.twitter.com/wR0QAii5uS
— Pamela Gardner NBC10 Boston (@Pamelanbcboston) February 17, 2022

Pete Bouchard, NBC10 Boston:

Fierce winds into the morning. Impacts for travel late night & the morning commute. (Saturday PM is moderate because of squalls with potential white-outs.) pic.twitter.com/XvKbj9ZHoQ
— Pete Bouchard (@PeteNBCBoston) February 17, 2022

Eric Fisher, WBZ:

All about the wind tonight into early tomorrow. Plenty of it already, but peaks overnight into the start of Friday. Good idea to charge up electronics in case you start Friday in the dark. #wbz pic.twitter.com/75cOwldXjD
— Eric Fisher (@ericfisher) February 17, 2022

While we'll start the day near 60F tomorrow morning, temps will fall into the 40s behind the front and hover there for much of the day before falling back into the 30s as the sun goes down. #wbz pic.twitter.com/1gPfNlZ9eA
— Eric Fisher (@ericfisher) February 17, 2022

Jeremy Reiner, 7 News:

Rain and damaging wind gusts overnight into early Friday morning. Temps take a tumble through the day on Friday. #7news pic.twitter.com/aCUNEISxPW
— Jeremy Reiner (@jreineron7) February 18, 2022

Today April 03
Showers
Showers
62° 52°
Sat April 04
Mostly cloudy
Mostly cloudy
56° 38°
Sun April 05
Rain
Rain
60° 39°
Mon April 06
Mostly cloudy
Mostly cloudy
50° 36°
Tue April 07
Mostly cloudy
Mostly cloudy
48° 32°
Wed April 08
Mostly sunny
Mostly sunny
42° 34°
Thu April 09
Partly sunny
Partly sunny
61° 49°

A major windstorm will impact the Boston region overnight. Here’s what local meteorologists say to expect.