Tropical Storm Isaias Barreling Toward Massachusetts

MASSACHUSETTS — Tropical Storm Isaias is barreling toward New England, with the system expected to hit Massachusetts Tuesday with heavy wind, power outages and possibly a tornado.

The worst of Isaias is expected to stay west of Worcester, but the central and eastern parts of the state will still see strong wind gusts and some rain. A tropical storm watch is in effect for all of Massachusetts.

The storm will get here around Tuesday afternoon and is expected to stay for about six hours into the evening. The heaviest rain, some 2-4 inches, will be in the Berkshires. Eastern Massachusetts could get less than an inch.

The wind will be the thing to watch. Gusts of up to 60 mph are possible, and with that comes the threat of power outages, uprooted trees and property damage. The National Weather Service said the "situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes."

Isaias was downgraded Saturday from a hurricane to a tropical storm. It's expected to regain hurricane strength as it reaches the Carolinas Monday night, then weaken again after landfall.

When Isaias moves on, thunderstorms could stick around through much of Wednesday. The skies will clear up for a traditional summer day Thursday.

Boston-area forecast via NWS

Today - Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. West wind 8 to 14 mph.

Tonight - A slight chance of showers after midnight. Increasing clouds, with a low around 72. Southwest wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday - A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tuesday Night - Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 71. Windy, with a south wind 25 to 30 mph decreasing to 15 to 20 mph. Winds could gust as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Wednesday - Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 7am and 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Southwest wind 8 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. West wind 3 to 6 mph.

Thursday - Sunny, with a high near 84. West wind 3 to 5 mph.

Thursday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Light west wind.

Friday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind.

Friday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Light and variable wind.

Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind.

Saturday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Light and variable wind.

Sunday - Sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind.