Debby In MA: Heavy Rain , Tornadoes Most Likely Threats

MASSACHUSETTS — The track of the remnants of tropical storm Debby have shifted slightly west, according to the latest forecasts, but the chance of heavy rain in Massachusetts — and possibly tornado activity — remains.

The entire state east of the Quabbin Reservoir is at "marginal" risk of excessive rainfall, or a less than 5 percent chance. But forecasts indicate between 1 and 1-1/2 inches could fall in the area between central Worcester County and western Middlesex County. Less than a half inch is expected in the Boston area and the Cape, although higher isolated totals are possible.

The National Weather Service in Norton also said there's a chance of tornadoes west of I-395/I-190 as Debby spins by on Friday afternoon and evening. It's possible the weather service will issue severe thunderstorm warnings on Friday if the chance of a tornado appears.

"It's important to stress that these types of circulations, while potentially supportive of tornadoes, tend to be very shallow in nature and do not last very long," the weather service said.

Wind gusts may also increase as Debby approaches, with forecasts indicating gusts up to 40 mph possible from Worcester to Boston.

In sum, Many Massachusetts residents may not be able to tell Debby apart from any other rainstorm. By Saturday, weather should be pretty nice, forecasters say.

"Other than a period of light to moderate rains Friday night into Saturday morning, little to no impacts are expected for eastern MA and RI. Rapid improvement Saturday afternoon. We then enter into an extended spell of pleasant midsummer weather with seasonable temperatures and low humidity levels starting Sunday into the middle of next week," the Norton office said in a Friday morning forecast.