Flash Flood Warning As Heavy Downpours Put Big Dent In MA Drought Concerns

MASSACHUSETTS — Parts of Massachusetts were under a Flash Flood Warning on Thursday as windswept rain and occasional downpours drenched the region for the second straight day after weeks of dry weather.

While the wet weather should put a significant dent in drought and fall wildfire concerns — after last year when thousands of acres burned for weeks across the Bay State — it could be more of an immediate concern to those who experience urban flooding and in poor drainage areas.

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The National Weather Service on Thursday morning issued a Flash Flood Warning for the South Coast area of the state near New Bedford and Fall River, and stretching into Rhode Island. Residents in those areas were urged to immediately move to higher ground and avoid driving through any standing water.

Most of the rest of the Bay State was to experience a steadier rain with occasional downpours and the chance of an afternoon thunderstorm. Up to four inches of rain were possible with widespread totals between three-quarters and two inches of rain.

Winds will be gusty at times with 30 mph+ gusts possible.

Rain was expected to continue into Thursday night with showers tapering after midnight.

Skies will then clear on Friday as temperatures dart up to the low 80s with a feel of summer in the air for the start of the first weekend of autumn.

The weekend is shaping up as a beauty with sunny skies and a high temperature of 74 degrees on Saturday, with increasing clouds and a high of 76 degrees on Sunday, according to the NWS.

The sunny and dry weather is forecast to continue into next week, with a high near 80 degrees on Monday and highs near 70 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday.

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(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.)