A radar image from the National Weather Service, as of Thursday morning. (NWS)
Wet snow, strong winds, and high waves pounded the Boston area on Thursday, as a nor’easter moved into the region.
The National Weather Service issued coastal flood warnings, winter weather advisories, and winter storm warnings across Massachusetts, in effect through Friday.
Forecasters expected much of the state to receive six to eight inches of snow, with Boston and the South Shore getting four to six inches. The heaviest snow was expected Thursday night into Friday morning. Wind gusts upwards of 50 miles-per-hour, combined with heavy snow, could cause power outages.
The NWS warned that moderate to major coastal flooding was possible through Saturday morning, along with severe beach erosion.
“The Friday morning high tide has the potential to be quite dangerous and could be similar to, or in a few spots even worse than, the February 9 storm tide,” the NWS said. “Some areas may be inundated with two to four feet of water, especially those vulnerable to wave overwash. Large waves may cause scattered damage to vulnerable structures, and some evacuations may become necessary.”
Flooding prompted State Police to shut down several roadways during the Thursday morning commute. Driving conditions were expected to be worse during the Thursday evening and Friday morning rush-hours.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency activated its State Emergency Operations Center early Thursday. The Red Cross opened shelters in Plymouth and Salisbury.
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