Major Storm Bringing Intense Winds, Heavy Downpours, Thunderstorm

Brutally strong wind gusts and heavy downpours are expected as forecasters warn of possible power outages and storm damage to start the week.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind watch for all of Southern New England ahead of "widespread damaging winds" that in many areas may surpass 70 miles per hour. The winds will be accompanied by thunderstorms and pouring rain.

"Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines," the NWS said in its warning. "Numerous power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles."

The worst of the winds, which is often only seen along coastal areas, could be seen as far west as past Worcester and into Connecticut. Boston and Providence are expected to see wind gusts of up to 65 m.p.h. The gusts will be slightly less intense north of Boston, but still could reach 55 m.p.h.

The temperatures won't be far off from Sunday, which will see the mercury pass 60 degrees in many areas. But Monday will be void of the sunniness of Easter.

Boston-area forecast via NWS

Monday - Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Patchy fog between 11am and noon. High near 65. Breezy, with a south wind 11 to 16 mph increasing to 19 to 24 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Monday night - Showers likely, mainly before 10pm. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 46. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 8 to 13 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 48 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tuesday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. West wind 7 to 9 mph.

Tuesday night - A slight chance of showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. West wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday - Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. Calm wind.

Wednesday night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Light and variable wind becoming west around 5 mph after midnight.

Thursday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. West wind 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Thursday night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. West wind around 7 mph.

Friday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. West wind 6 to 9 mph.

Friday night - A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday - A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 51. West wind 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.