Damaging Winds, Power Outages As 55+ Gusts Blow Across MA

UPDATED 11 a.m.

MASSACHUSETTS — Power outages, tree damage and holiday decorations flying down the streets were all in the forecast for Monday as the National Weather Service issued a High Wind Advisory with gusts expected to exceed 55 miles per hour across most of the state.

The advisory was in place for all of eastern and central Massachusetts out to the Berkshires through 10 p.m. on Thursday.

Sustained west winds of 20 to 30 mph were forecast throughout the day with gusts to 55 mph or higher.

"Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects," the National Weather Service 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."

As of 11 a.m., the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency reported 10,525 outages across the state with the biggest number of homes affected in southern Worcester county where there were 2,341 customers without power in Webster.

The wind will usher in a wintry feel for the start of 2025 — though chances for significant snow appear elusive despite the much colder temperatures.

After a high temperature of 42 degrees across Massachusetts on Thursday, it will gradually get colder over the next few days with mostly sunny skies.

Friday will have less wind with gusts up to 30 mph with a high temperature of 39 degrees.

Winds will subside to the teens on Saturday and Sunday as temperatures hover around freezing for highs through the weekend.

A coastal storm that could bring heavy snow to the mid-Atlantic is expected to pass well south of New England on Monday as calm and cold weather persists with highs near 32 with a steady west wind each day through the middle of the week.

(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.)