First Alert: Flooding Rainfall and Severe Weather Expected on Sunday
We have a First Alert for flooding rainfall heading our way on Sunday. The storms and showers will be off and on all day long, and there is even a chance for some severe weather.
Already, a tornado warning was issued around 6 a.m. Sunday for parts of Berkshire County in western Massachusetts, but it has since expired. However, residents are urged to stay vigilant and keep an eye on the latest severe weather alerts.
A flood watch is in effect for most of New England, starting from 2 a.m. Sunday until 2 a.m. Monday, due to the heavy rain anticipated. Forecasters are predicting about 1-3″ of widespread rainfall, with some areas potentially receiving 3-5″ or more.
The threat of flooding is amplified by a tropical transport of moisture marching in from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic in the upper levels of the atmosphere. This moisture-laden system means that the skies are loaded with water, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding, urban flooding, small stream flooding, and even river flooding across the northeast.
The Weather Prediction Center has categorized western New England, stretching to just around Boston, as being in the moderate or most likely category for excessive rainfall.
The showers and storms will be picking up by mid-morning for all, spreading from southwest to northeast. The heaviest rainfall and storms are expected during the afternoon and evening hours, with rain lingering through midnight and predawn hours on Monday.
In addition to the flooding, there is also a chance for strong to severe embedded thunderstorms. These storms may bring higher rain rates of 2-4″ per hour, lightning, and damaging straight-line winds. There is even a slight chance of a brief spin-up tornado, as there is an increasing low-level jet and enough spin in the atmosphere to warrant a 2% chance for a tornado anywhere in New England.
Residents are urged to exercise caution and stay indoors during this severe weather event. Roads and low-lying areas are expected to be flooded on Monday morning, so early morning commuters should be extremely cautious as flooded roads can be difficult to spot.
However, the weather is expected to improve on Monday as the rain clears out. The day will be warm and sunny, with highs in the upper 80s. This pleasant weather is expected to continue for most of the upcoming week, with some scattered storms returning by Friday and into the weekend.