Nor'easter incoming: Boston issues power outage, flood warnings ahead of storm

Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald on Sep 24, 2026

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BOSTON — Boston issued a coastal storm warning as a rare early fall nor’easter spins toward the city, expected to last Friday through the weekend and pose a risk of coastal flooding, high winds, power line damage, and more.

“Coastal storms can bring rapid changes in tides and weather, leading to flooding, downed trees, power outages and beach erosion,” said Brooke Amendola, the Boston director of Emergency Preparedness. “We are urging everyone in coastal and low-lying areas to prepare now. Clear your property of loose outdoor items, and limit travel during the storm. The actions you take today will help keep you, your family, and our first responders safe.”

The storm is expected to move in towards southeastern Massachusetts on Friday, with rains hitting the Boston region late in the evening and lasting through Monday.

As of Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service issued high wind warnings for the area Friday and Saturday, and high surf advisory and coastal flood watch Friday through Sunday. The Boston region is expected to see three to four inches of rain over the weekend, forecasts show.

High northeast winds across the Massachusetts and Rhode Island coasts are forecast to reach 25 to 35 mph through Sunday night, with gusts 45 to 60 mph. The long-duration winds and heavy rain “may exacerbate the risk for tree damage and power outages,” the wind warning noted.

“Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines,” NWS states. “Power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.”

The Boston Harbor can expected north winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph and waves around three feet, NWS stated in a storm warning. The conditions “will capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility,” NWS stated, urging mariners to remain in port, alter course and secure vessels. In outer waters off Massachusetts and Rhode Island, seas may get up to 20 feet.

All along the eastern Massachusetts coastline, the storm may also cause minor to moderate beach erosion around high tides through Sunday.

Mayor Michelle Wu urged Boston residents to “take all necessary precautions to stay indoors and safe,” noting a storm of this kind is rare for September. Residents can receive city alerts in 11 languages through AlertBoston by phone, text or email and learn more about their flood risk at boston.gov/flood.

The city also urged people to report power outages by contacting Eversource online or texting “OUT” to 23129, get alerts by texting “REG,” and check status by texting “STAT” to the same number.

The Chief Climate Officer Brian Swett said “it is critical to know your home or business’ risk of flooding,” noting the added threat of climate change and sea level rise for the city.

BCYF centers and Boston Public Library will be open and available to help residents get out of the storm for the normal hours over the weekend. The Boston Public Health Commission also has a city-wide network of emergency shelters for those in need of shelter, including a women’s location at 794 Massachusetts Ave. and men’s at the 112 Southampton Street Shelter, open to all with nonviolent restrictions.

If a person is outside in the storm appearing immobile, disoriented, or underdressed for the weather, residents are urged to call 911, the city said.

The city issued tips for the storm, including knowing your evacuation zones; being prepared to evacuate if you live in a flood zone; preparing a disaster kit with supplies like batteries and first aid tools; making a family emergency plan; reporting downed trees, flooding or sewer backup to 311; and reporting downed power lines to 911.

Residents should never wade, walk or swim in flood waters, city officials said, noting it can cause injury, electrocution and exposure to harmful chemicals or pathogens.

The Boston Water and Sewer Commission said they’re planning for a “long duration event, 72-96 hours.”

“While rain totals are not predicted to be overwhelming for our systems at this time, we will have additional staff and resources deployed throughout the weekend to handle flooding issues that may arise,” said BWSC Chief of Operations Chase Berkeley.

A Zero Waste Drop-Off Day scheduled Saturday was canceled, the city noted, and rescheduled to Saturday, Nov. 21, in Millenium Park.

The Inspectional Services Department additionally warned Boston residents to protect properties and people by securing loose materials, tools, dumpsters, and equipment that could shift or become airborne; checking scaffolding, fencing, signs and temporary structures; securing or removing loose tarps or sheeting; inspecting roofs for materials that could fall or blow; protecting electrical equipment or cords; checking drainage; keeping paths of egress safe and clear; and suspending outdoor work when it is unsafe.

More emergency resources and information can be found at boston.gov/emergency-management.

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