Wind Forecast For MA Upgraded: 'Strong And Potentially Damaging'

BOSTON, MA — A pre-Christmas storm headed for New England could bring destruction to the region on a key travel day, with forecasters warning of wind gusts topping 65 mph across much of eastern Massachusetts.

The National Weather Service on Wednesday issued a high wind warning for every county east of Worcester. Wind gusts could reach 60 mph in Boston, and 65 or more in Plymouth County and on Cape Cod.

"Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles," the weather service said.

The weather service also issued a coastal flood watch along the entire shoreline from the New Hampshire border to Cape Cod and to Fall River. Up to 3 feet of inundation could coincide with high tide on Friday morning, according to the weather service.

There's a high wind watch in effect for Worcester County, with gust up to 60 mph expected in Worcester and as far west as Greenfield, according to the forecast.

"A powerful storm system will bring the potential for damaging southerly wind gusts with heavy rain and the risk for some fresh water small river/stream flooding. The main time of concern for this will be Thursday night and particularly Friday," the outlook said.

All watches and warnings will be in effect from Thursday night to Friday night.

Thursday and Friday will be big travel days ahead of the Christmas weekend for both flying and driving. AAA is estimating that some 112.7 million people in the U.S. will travel 50 miles or more over the holidays, including more than 4 million New England residents.