MA Weather: Nor'easter Damage Starting, Storm Still Hitting Hard

The nor'easter expected to dump several inches of rain on parts of Massachusetts got off to a slow start Wednesday, but by Thursday morning wind damage was already being reported along the coast and Cape Cod. Even though most of Wednesday's rainfall was offshore, the storm is still expected to hit hard.

The worst of it will be in the southeastern part of the state and on Cape Cod, which could see 8 inches of rain by the end of Friday. The forecast weakened for north and west of Boston, which may only see a half-inch to 1-1/2 inches of rain.

As of 8 a.m., wind gusts of more than 55 mph have taken down trees on the Cape, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. The Steamship Authority said it's "extremely unlikely" it will run service to the islands.

Trees and wires were downed in Essex and Wenham while wires took a hit in Walpole, according to the National Weather Service.

Wind damage could lead to large power outages Thursday as the storm intensifies.

"Long duration, ocean storm / Nor'Easter will continue to bring strong to damaging winds, periods of moderate to heavy rain, inland & coastal flood threats, as well as rough boating conditions through Friday," the weather service said Thursday morning.

There are still weather warning up and down the coast, including a wind advisory and coastal flood advisory. The Cape and Islands are under a high wind warning until Friday morning.

Boston-area weather forecast

Today — Rain. High near 56. Northeast wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight — Rain likely, mainly after 10 p.m. Cloudy, with a low around 50. Northeast wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Friday — Rain. High near 56. Northeast wind 16 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Friday Night — Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 50. Northeast wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday — A chance of rain, mainly before 5pm. Cloudy, with a high near 59. North wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday Night — Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. North wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Sunday — Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. West wind 3 to 5 mph.

Sunday Night — Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Columbus Day - Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night — Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. Light and variable wind.

Tuesday — Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. West wind 3 to 6 mph.

Tuesday Night — A chance of rain. Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Southwest wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Wednesday — A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 63. South wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.