Massachusetts storm watch: A ‘snowless nor’easter’ to bring buckets of rain, strong wind gusts

A “snowless nor’easter” is expected to slam Massachusetts this week with buckets of rain and powerful 60 mph wind gusts that could lead to toppled trees and power outages across the region.

The slow-moving significant coastal storm should last from late Monday night through Wednesday, bringing several inches of rain and damaging wind gusts.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Watch for portions of eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. A Storm Watch is also in effect for the coastal waters off of Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and other parts of the Bay State.

Meteorologists are predicting 50 to 60 mph wind gusts, 3 to 6 inches of rain, and 20-foot waves. Coastal flooding and beach erosion are possible.

“It’s kind of like a snowless nor’easter,” said Kristie Smith, a meteorologist in the National Weather Service’s Boston office. “It should be a pretty substantial event for eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.”

With leaves still on trees, the combo of high winds and heavy rain could lead to downed trees and power outages. Also, 60 mph wind gusts can easily topple unhealthy trees as well.

“We could definitely see some power outage impacts,” Smith said.

One other concern this time of year is fallen leaves clogging storm drains, which could lead to hazardous street flooding.

There may be a brief break from the wet weather before more precipitation arrives for Friday and the weekend.

“It’s going to be a pretty dreary week,” Smith said.

It could be rainy from Friday afternoon into Sunday morning before clearing out on Sunday during the day, which is Halloween.

Conditions could end up being ideal for trick-or-treaters, Smith added. It’s expected to be dry for the evening, and temperatures should be seasonable in the upper 50s to low 60s.