Coastal Flood, High Wind Warnings For MA Nor'easter Thursday

MASSACHUSETTS — A Coastal Flood Warning and High Wind Advisory was issued on Wednesday ahead of a Thursday nor'easter that could pound Massachusetts with up to three inches of rain and 50+ mph winds with temperatures stuck in the 40s.

The rare May nor'easter will not bring snow. But it will bring a taste of late winter to the region — especially coastal locations that could suffer wind damage, erosion and flooding around the time of the Thursday afternoon high tide.

• A May Nor'easter? MA Braces For Winter-Like Storm

The NWS issued the High Wind Advisory from 2 to 11 p.m. on Thursday for Eastern Essex, Suffolk, Eastern Norfolk, and Eastern Plymouth counties, including the cities of Quincy, Plymouth, Gloucester, and Boston.

The NWS said northeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected.

"Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects," the NWS said. "Tree limbs could be blown down and some power outages may result. ... Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Use extra caution."

The Coastal Flood Warning was issued for Eastern Essex, Suffolk, Eastern Norfolk, Eastern Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties.

Up to 1 foot of inundation is possible with flooding in low-lying areas near the immediate coast.

"If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed," the NWS said. "Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property."

The NWS is also forecasting possible urban flooding with up to 3 inches of rain possible.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)