Flood Watches Issued In MA With Up To 4 Inches Possible In Spots

MASSACHUSETTS — The National Weather Service has issued flood watches covering almost all of Massachusetts with a storm system approaching from the Great Lakes that has the potential to drop several inches of rain in short periods, according to the National Weather Service.

Daytime Friday will be relatively quiet across the state — except for continued high heat and humidity, and the slight potential of isolated thunderstorms during the afternoon. Much heavier rainfall could come hours before sunrise Saturday.

According to the weather service, the storm system has the potential to produce bands of rain that drop 2 inches per hour in isolated areas, and up to 4 inches over three hours. The flood watches will be in effect between Friday and Saturday nights.

"Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations," the weather service warned. "Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas."

The weather service said there's "considerable uncertainty" about where the heaviest rain will fall, but the area from Hartford to Worcester and into northern Middlesex County could get hit hardest, according to forecasts.

"[G]enerally all of southern New England will be at risk, especially the urban areas," the forecast said.

The weekend deluge will be a prelude to more dangerous heat and humidity starting Sunday. Heat indices could remain in the 95 to 100 range between Sunday and Wednesday, with Tuesday being the peak, the weather service said.