High Wind and Strong Wind in Massachusetts, March 31, 2016

Name: High Wind and Strong Wind in Massachusetts, March 31, 2016
Start: 2016-03-31T08:55
End: 2016-03-31T14:16
Location: Massachusetts

March 31, 2016 · NWS BOX · 12 events in 12 counties and zones

Strong southwesterly winds mixed to the surface ahead of a strong cold front. This resulted in some damage across southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 12 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $345,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 12

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS BOX wrote it up.

Strong southwesterly winds mixed to the surface ahead of a strong cold front. This resulted in some damage across southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Boston/Norton, MA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Mar 31, 6:08 AM EST, 2 hours 47 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 31, 6:08 AM EST, 2 hours 47 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
708 AM EDT THU MAR 31 2016

.SYNOPSIS...
LOW PRESSURE ENTERING THE GREAT LAKES COMBINED WITH HIGH PRESSURE
OFFSHORE WILL CIRCULATE A WARM AIRMASS INTO NEW ENGLAND TODAY AND
FRI ON STRONG SOUTHWEST WINDS. A COLD FRONT WILL TRIGGER WIDESPREAD
SHOWERS TO THE AREA TONIGHT AND FRI. A WAVE OF LOW PRESSURE FORMS ON
THE FRONT SAT AND BRINGS THE RISK FOR ANOTHER ROUND OF SHOWERS. A
CLIPPER LOW AND ITS ATTENDING ARCTIC FRONT SWEEP ACROSS THE AREA SAT
NIGHT INTO SUNDAY MORNING...ACCOMPANIED BY SCATTERED RAIN/SNOW
SQUALLS. BEHIND THE FRONT AN UNSEASONABLY COLD AIRMASS OVERSPREADS
THE REGION ON BLUSTERY NORTHWEST WINDS. A WAVE OF LOW PRESSURE
TRACKS OVER OR NEAR THE SOUTH COAST OF NEW ENGLAND LATE MON INTO
TUE BRINGING THE RISK OF RAIN AND/OR SNOW TO THE AREA.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 PM THIS EVENING/...

7 AM UPDATE ...

NOT MUCH CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS FORECAST. STRONG LOW LEVEL THERMAL
ADVECTION HAS PUSHED TEMPS INTO THE U40S AND L50S ACROSS THE
REGION AT 7 AM. ALREADY AT OUR NORMAL DAYTIME HIGH TEMPS. THESE
MILD TEMPS ARE IN RESPONSE TO INCREASING SW WINDS WITH GUSTS
ALREADY UP TO 25 TO 30 MPH. AS SURFACE TEMPS WARM BLYR WILL DEEPEN
AND RESULT IN GOOD MOMENTUM MIXING WITH GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH ACROSS
RI AND EASTERN MA...WHERE WIND ADVISORY IS IN PLACE. SOMEWHAT
CONCERNED ABOUT 60 MPH GUSTS POSSIBLE ACROSS INTERIOR SOUTHEAST
MA AS THIS IS WHERE THE CORE OF THE LOW LEVEL JET STREAMS ACROSS
THE AREA. THIS WOULD WARRANT A HIGH WIND WARNING. WILL CONTINUE
TO MONITOR AS THE MORNING PROGRESSES. EARLIER DISCUSSION BELOW.

===================================================================

*/ HEADLINES...

 - WIND ADVISORY FOR E/SE MASSACHUSETTS AND ALL OF RHODE ISLAND
 - SW WIND GUSTS OF 45 TO 55 MPH...ISOLATED 60 MPH GUSTS POSSIBLE

GROWING CONFIDENCE OF STRONG TO DAMAGING WINDS. WIND ADVISORY A SLAM
DUNK AND WE COULD COME CLOSE TO HIGH WIND WARNING CRITERIA OVER E/SE
MASS AND RI ESPECIALLY BRISTOL AND PLYMOUTH COUNTIES...THROWING BLUE
HILL INTO THE MIX AS WELL. 45-55 MPH GUSTS WITH A POSSIBLE ISOLATED
GUST OF 60 MPH. NAM AND GFS BUFKIT PROFILES BULLISH ON MIXING DOWN
WINDS FROM H925 WHERE FORECAST CONSENSUS HAS 60-70 MPH SW WINDS....
ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING ANTICIPATED WARMTH INTO THE MID TO UPPER 60S
WITH READINGS UP TO THE 70 DEGREE MARK IN AND AROUND THE MERRIMACK
RIVER VALLEY. IMPACTS OF DOWNED LIMBS AND POWER OUTAGES ACCORDINGLY
WITHIN THE WIND ADVISORY. OTHERWISE INCREASING CLOUDS LATE LOWERING
AND THICKENING. DRY FORECAST.

&&

.SHORT TERM /6 PM THIS EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT/...
TONIGHT...

PERIODS OF LIGHT TO MODERATE RAIN...WITH HEAVIER POCKETS. INCREASING
LOW TO MID LEVEL FORCING PER ISENTROPIC OVER-RUNNING OF 60-70 MPH SW
FLOW OF SUB-TROPICAL HIGH THETA-E AIR AND SUPPORT PER LEAD VORTEX
ENERGY ALOFT. WIDELY SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS CONSIDERING ELEVATED
INSTABILITY WITH CONDITIONALLY UNSTABLE PROFILE. LOOKING AT RAINFALL
AMOUNTS UPWARDS OF A HALF INCH.

WINDS IN QUESTION. MIXING SHOULD BECOME LIMITED WITH BOUNDARY LAYER
DECOUPLING. YET PRESSURE GRADIENT REMAINS STOUT. CONFIDENT WILL SEE
GUSTS OVERALL UP TO 30 MPH. BUT WILL HAVE TO MONITOR CLOSELY POCKETS
OF HEAVIER RAIN / THUNDERSTORMS OF POTENTIALLY DRAGGING DOWN FASTER
MOMENTUM TO THE SURFACE. SUCH THREATS WOULD NEED TO BE HANDLED VIA
SHORT-FUSED HEADLINES OVER WIND ADVISORY THINKING ISOLATED TO
SPORADIC NATURE.

REMAINING MILD. SOUPY. HIGHER DEWPOINT AIR PUSHING ONSHORE. WINDS
MAY LIMIT FOG POTENTIAL BUT NEVERTHELESS LIKELY GOING TO BE MISTY.
LOWS ONLY DROPPING INTO THE UPPER 50S...SOME LOCALES DOWN TO THE LOW
60S.

FRIDAY INTO FRIDAY NIGHT...

COLD FRONT SWEEPS THE NORTHEAST CONUS DURING THE OVERNIGHT PERIOD.
MAJORITY OF THE WET WEATHER AND CONTINUED THUNDERSTORM CHANCES WITH
ELEVATED INSTABILITY INTO THE AFTERNOON PARENT WITH CONTINUED DEEP
LAYER FORCING OF SUB-TROPICAL HIGH THETA-E AIR WITH PWATS TO 1.5
INCHES. COULD BE LOOKING AT AN ADDITIONAL HALF INCH OF RAIN IN
SPOTS. BY EVENING STRONGEST DYNAMICS ARE FAR REMOVED N. WITHIN THE
ACCOMPANYING BROAD TROUGHING PATTERN DRIER AIR WORKS IN AS BOTH
THE COLD FRONT AND MID LEVEL ENERGY BECOMES STRETCHED. SHOULD SEE
WET WEATHER AND SOUPY MISTY CONDITIONS CONCLUDE AFTER MIDNIGHT WITH
THE USHERANCE OF W WINDS AND DRIER AIR BUT ONLY BRIEFLY. WILL SEE
THE COLD FRONT BEGIN TO LIFT BACK N IN RESPONSE TO A FOLLOW-UP
VORTEX THROUGH THE BROAD TROUGH PATTERN INVOKING CYCLOGENESIS OVER
THE SE CONUS LIFTING IT NORTHEASTWARD.

AS FOR WINDS...CONTINUED STOUT SW WINDS 60-70 MPH AHEAD OF THE COLD
FRONT OVER SE NEW ENGLAND. WITH DAYTIME HEATING WARMING TEMPERATURES
TO HIGHS INTO THE 60S TO NEAR 70 DEGREES ONCE AGAIN IN THE MERRIMACK
RIVER VALLEY THERE IS AGAIN THAT POTENTIAL FOR MIXING DOWN WINDS TO
THE SURFACE ASIDE FROM PRECIPITATION DRAG WITH POTENTIAL POCKETS OF
HEAVY RAIN / THUNDERSTORMS. BUFKIT PROFILE 2M TEMPERATURES COULD
POSSIBLY BE TOO COOL THEREBY LIMITING TRUE MIXING. WITH THE PRESSURE
GRADIENT WIND GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH NOT OUT OF THE QUESTION...BUT
STRONGER GUSTS OF AROUND 40 MPH COULD OCCUR ACROSS THE E INTERIOR OF
S NEW ENGLAND WITH WARMER TEMPERATURES. NOT ENOUGH CONFIDENCE AT
THIS TIME TO WARRANT HEADLINES. SOMETHING WILL HAVE TO MONITOR WITH
LATER FORECASTS.

&&

.LONG TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
HIGHLIGHTS...

* ACTIVE WEATHER THIS PERIOD WITH MORE OF A WINTER TYPE PATTERN

* TEMPERATURES - MILD SAT FOLLOWED BY AN UNSEASONABLY COLD AIRMASS
  SUNDAY THRU WED OF NEXT WEEK

* PRECIPITATION - CHANCE OF SHOWERS SAT...SCATTERED RAIN/SNOW
  SQUALLS SAT NGT WITH RISK OF ISOLATED THUNDER...THEN DRY SUN
  FOLLOWED BY A CHANCE OF SNOW/COLD RAIN LATER MON INTO TUE

SYNOPTIC OVERVIEW AND MODEL EVALUATION ...

EVOLVING HIGH AMPLITUDE FLOW REGIME RESULTS IN ACTIVE WEATHER FOR
SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND THIS PERIOD WITH A MORE WINTER-LIKE PATTERN
THAN SPRING. BUILDING WESTERN CANADA RIDGE INTO ALASKA PROMOTES HIGH
AMPLTIUDE MEAN TROUGH DOWNSTREAM INTO THE GREAT LAKES AND NORTHEAST
THIS PERIOD. THIS RESULTS IN A STORM TRACK OVER OR NEAR SOUTHERN NEW
ENGLAND. HENCE...ACTIVE WEATHER PATTERN WITH THE RISK OF MULTIPLE
PRECIP EVENTS SAT THRU TUE. ENSEMBLES /EPS AND GEFS/ AND
DETERMINISTIC GUIDANCE BOTH IN FAIRLY GOOD AGREEMENT...SO NO STRONG
MODEL PREFERENCES FOR THIS FORECAST CYCLE.

DETAILS...

SATURDAY ... MODELS TRENDS HAVE BEEN FOR FRONTAL BOUNDARY OVER THE
REGION FRI TO STALL AS MID/UPPER TROUGH AMPLIFIES AND FLOW ALOFT
PARALLELS EAST COAST. THIS DELAYS FRONTAL DEPARTURE OFFSHORE AS
FRONTAL WAVE DEVELOPS ON THE FRONT AND TRACKS SOUTH OF NEW ENGLAND
SAT. THUS A PERIOD OF RAIN IS POSSIBLE WITH HIGHEST PROBS OVER RI
AND SOUTHEAST MA ESPECIALLY SOUTH COAST WITH LOWER THREAT WELL
INLAND. SEASONABLY MILD WITH HIGHS 50-55.

SATURDAY NIGHT/SUN MORNING ... INTERESTING WEATHER POSSIBLE AS
VIGOROUS POLAR JET WITH POTENTIAL TROP FOLD IN RESPONSE TO ARCTIC
SHORT WAVE/PV ANOMALY. THIS RESULTS IN CLIPPER LOW RAPIDLY
INTENSIFYING ALONG THE POLAR FRONT AS IT CROSSES SOUTHERN NEW
ENGLAND.  VERY STRONG SYNOPTIC SCALE LIFT WILL ACCOMPANY THIS
FEATURE ALONG WITH STEEP MID LEVEL LAPSE RATES OF 7-8C/KM!
SUFFICIENT MOISTURE WITHIN THE COLUMN FOR THIS INSTABILITY TO BE
REALIZED IN THE FORM OF ROBUST RAIN/SNOW SQUALLS ALONG WITH LOW PROB
OF THUNDER! COULD BE SOME SNOW ACCUMULATIONS ALONG WITH GUSTY WINDS
ALONG AND BEHIND THE POLAR FRONT. WHILE THIS TROP FOLD EVENT WILL
LIKELY NOT BE AS INTENSE AS THE 12/9/2005 CASE...IT BEARS WATCHING
FOR AT LEAST SOME POTENTIAL WEATHER IMPACTS.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON/NIGHT ... MODIFIED ARCTIC AIRMASS OVERSPREADS THE
REGION WITH 850 MB TEMPS CRASHING TO -12C TO -16C ACROSS THE REGION
SUN AFTN AND NIGHT...ABOUT -2 SD COLDER THAN CLIMO. GUSTY WNW WINDS
WILL MAKE IT FEEL EVEN COLDER WITH WIND CHILLS IN THE TEENS AND 20S
SUN AFTN AND SINGLE DIGITS/TEENS SUN NGT...BRRR!

MON/TUE ... DESPITE TIME RANGE HERE VERY GOOD MODEL AGREEMENT AMONG
DETERMINISTIC AND ENSEMBLE GUID FOR A FRONTAL WAVE TO TRACK ALONG OR
NEAR THE SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND COAST. THIS WOULD SUPPORT A PERIOD OF
SNOW INLAND WITH RAIN/SNOW MIX POSSIBLE ACROSS CT/RI AND SOUTHEAST
MA. LOTS OF PREDICTABILITY ISSUES WITH SMALL FRONTAL WAVES AT THIS
TIME RANGE HAVE TO KEEP THE FORECAST AND DISCUSSION PROBABALISTIC VS.
DETERMINISTIC. EC AND EPS FARTHER SOUTH THAN REMAINDER OF GUID. IN
ADDITION THIS TIME OF YEAR POTENTIAL SNOWFALL AMOUNTS HINGE ON
PRECIP INTENSITY AND EXACT LOCATION OF WHERE MESOSCALE BANDS SETUP.
TOO FAR OUT IN TIME TO MENTION ANY DETAILS. ALTHOUGH STAY TUNED.

WED ... ENSEMBLES AND DETERMINISTIC GUID SUGGEST MEAN TROUGH
OFFSHORE WITH HIGH PRES BUILDING INTO NEW ENG. THUS TRENDS SUGGEST
DRY BUT COOL WEATHER.

&&

.AVIATION /11Z THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
FORECASTER CONFIDENCE LEVELS...

LOW...LESS THAN 30 PERCENT.
MODERATE...30 TO 60 PERCENT.
HIGH...GREATER THAN 60 PERCENT.

7 AM UPDATE ...

NO MAJOR CHANGES TO THE 06Z AND 09Z TAF ISSUANCES. MAIN CONCERN
ARE WIND GUSTS TODAY WITH SW WINDS G40 KT ACROSS RI AND EASTERN MA
WITH A LOW PROB OF G50 KT OVER INTERIOR SOUTHEAST MA. EARLIER
DISCUSSION BELOW.

===================================================================

SHORT TERM /THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT/...

THURSDAY...HIGH CONFIDENCE.
VFR. SCT-BKN MID-HIGH CIGS CONTINUE THICKENING LATE AND LOWERING.
S/SW FLOW WITH GENERAL 20-30 KT GUSTS UPWARDS OF 50 KTS OVER E/SE
MASS AND RI TERMINALS. LLWS POTENTIAL OVER CAPE AND ISLANDS WITH
50 KT SW FLOW AT 2 KFT AGL BEGINNING MIDDAY.

THURSDAY NIGHT...MODERATE CONFIDENCE.
MVFR IFR WITH -SHRA AND WIDELY SCT TSRA. LOWERED VSBYS MVFR WITH
SHRA POSSIBLY IFR AT TIMES. LLWS CONCERNS EXPAND OVER MUCH OF S
NEW ENGLAND WITH 50-60 KT SW FLOW 2 KFT AGL. EXPECT SW GUSTS
UPWARDS OF 30 KTS BUT COULD BE LOCALLY STRONGER WITH +RA / TSRA.

FRIDAY INTO FRIDAY NIGHT...MODERATE CONFIDENCE.
MVFR / IFR INTO EVENING WITH CONTINUED -SHRA AND WIDELY SCT TSRA.
LLWS THREATS CONTINUE ALONG WITH SW GUSTY WINDS. WILL SEE THIS
ACTIVITY DIMINISH INTO THE OVERNIGHT PERIOD TOWARDS SATURDAY
MORNING.

KBOS TAF...HIGH CONFIDENCE.
STRONG SW WINDS WITH POTENTIAL OF SEEING 40 KTS MIDDAY INTO
AFTERNOON. AIRPORT WEATHER WARNINGS MAY BE NEEDED. LLWS CONCERNS
OVERNIGHT THURSDAY CONTINUING INTO FRIDAY WITH 50-60 KT SW FLOW 2
KFT AGL.

KBDL TAF...HIGH CONFIDENCE.
SW WINDS BUT WILL HOLD AT 35 KTS AT HIGHEST. INTO EVENING WILL SEE
AN INCREASING CONCERN OVER LLWS IMPACTS WITH 50 KT SW FLOW 2 KFT
AGL.

OUTLOOK /SATURDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...

SAT ... VFR/MVFR WITH LOW RISK OF PATCHY IFR IN SCATTERED RAIN
SHOWER. RELATIVELY LIGHT WINDS.

SAT NIGHT/SUN MORNING ... VFR TO START THEN MVFR/IFR IN SCATTERED
RAIN SQUALLS CHANGING TO SNOW SQUALLS. ISOLATED THUNDER POSSIBLE.

SUN AFTN/NIGHT ... VFR AND DRY WEATHER BUT GUSTY WNW WINDS UP TO 40
KT.

MONDAY ... VFR TO START BUT TRENDING TOWARD IFR IN SNOW
INLAND...SNOW AND/OR RAIN CT/RI AND SOUTHEAST MA. WINDS BECOMING NE.

&&

.MARINE...
FORECASTER CONFIDENCE LEVELS...

LOW...LESS THAN 30 PERCENT.
MODERATE...30 TO 60 PERCENT.
HIGH...GREATER THAN 60 PERCENT.

SHORT TERM /THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT/...MODERATE CONFIDENCE.

GALES MORE LIKELY ALONG THE SHORES AND ACROSS NEAR SHORE WATERS
EXTENDING NE BUT LESSER THREAT OVER COOLER OUTER WATERS. WILL DROP
GALES OVER THE S OUTER WATERS BUT KEEP WARNINGS ELSEWHERE.

SW WINDS INCREASE TODAY AND CONTINUE THROUGH FRIDAY AHEAD OF A
COLD FRONT WHICH WILL SWEEP THE WATERS FRIDAY NIGHT. DRY TODAY BUT
INCREASING AREAL COVERAGE OF RAIN...HEAVY AT TIMES...WITH WIDELY
SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS. MISTY CONDITIONS WHICH COULD REDUCE
VISIBILITIES AT TIMES. SEAS BUILDING 5 TO 10 FEET. HEIGHT INTO
LATE FRIDAY DIMINISHING THEREAFTER.

OUTLOOK /SATURDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...

SAT ... LIGHT WINDS WITH SCATTERED RAIN SHOWERS LOWERING VSBY AT
TIMES.

SUNDAY ... INTENSIFYING CLIPPER LOW MOVES ACROSS THE AREA WITH WNW
GALES LIKELY IN ITS WAKE SUN AFTN AND NIGHT. SCATTERED RAIN/SNOW
SQUALLS SAT NIGHT/SUN MORNING ALONG WITH LOW RISK OF ISOLATED
THUNDER. FREEZING SPRAY POSSIBLE SUN NIGHT.

MON ... LOW PRES TRACKS ALONG OR NEAR SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND COAST
WITH WINDS BECOMING NE...POSSIBLY GALE FORCE. SNOW AND RAIN MON
AFTN AND NIGHT LIMIT VSBY.

&&

.CLIMATE...
MONDAY APRIL 4
RECORD LOW TEMPERATURES

BOSTON............17/1954
HARTFORD..........14/1954
PROVIDENCE........14/1954
WORCESTER.........13/1954

&&

.BOX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CT...NONE.
MA...WIND ADVISORY FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING
     FOR MAZ007-013>024.
RI...WIND ADVISORY FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING
     FOR RIZ001>007.
MARINE...GALE WARNING FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING
     FOR ANZ230>237-250-251-254.
     SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY UNTIL 8 PM EDT FRIDAY FOR ANZ255-256.

&&

SYNOPSIS...NOCERA/SIPPRELL
NEAR TERM...NOCERA/SIPPRELL
SHORT TERM...SIPPRELL
LONG TERM...NOCERA
AVIATION...NOCERA/SIPPRELL
MARINE...NOCERA/SIPPRELL
CLIMATE...STAFF

Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 31, 3:38 AM EST, 5 hours 17 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
438 AM EDT THU MAR 31 2016

CTZ002-003-MAZ002>004-008>011-026-RIZ008-010845-
HARTFORD CT-TOLLAND CT-WESTERN FRANKLIN MA-EASTERN FRANKLIN MA-
NORTHERN WORCESTER MA-WESTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-WESTERN HAMPDEN MA-
EASTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-EASTERN HAMPDEN MA-NORTHERN MIDDLESEX MA-
BLOCK ISLAND RI-
438 AM EDT THU MAR 31 2016

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHERN CONNECTICUT...CENTRAL
MASSACHUSETTS...EASTERN
MASSACHUSETTS...WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS AND SOUTHERN RHODE ISLAND.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

MAZ007-013>024-RIZ001>007-010845-
EASTERN ESSEX MA-WESTERN NORFOLK MA-SOUTHEAST MIDDLESEX MA-
SUFFOLK MA-EASTERN NORFOLK MA-NORTHERN BRISTOL MA-
WESTERN PLYMOUTH MA-EASTERN PLYMOUTH MA-SOUTHERN BRISTOL MA-
SOUTHERN PLYMOUTH MA-BARNSTABLE MA-DUKES MA-NANTUCKET MA-
NORTHWEST PROVIDENCE RI-SOUTHEAST PROVIDENCE RI-WESTERN KENT RI-
EASTERN KENT RI-BRISTOL RI-WASHINGTON RI-NEWPORT RI-
438 AM EDT THU MAR 31 2016

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 9 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR EASTERN
MASSACHUSETTS...NORTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS...SOUTHEASTERN
MASSACHUSETTS...NORTHERN RHODE ISLAND AND SOUTHERN RHODE ISLAND.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WIND ADVISORY.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

ANZ255-256-010845-
COASTAL WATERS EXTENDING OUT TO 25 NM SOUTH OF MARTHAS VINEYARD AND
NANTUCKET-
COASTAL WATERS FROM MONTAUK NY TO MARTHAS VINEYARD EXTENDING OUT TO
20 NM SOUTH OF BLOCK ISLAND-
438 AM EDT THU MAR 31 2016

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR MASSACHUSETTS COASTAL WATERS
AND RHODE ISLAND COASTAL WATERS.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

SUNDAY INTO SUNDAY NIGHT...WEST TO NORTHWEST GALE FORCE WINDS ARE
LIKELY ACROSS THE WATERS ALONG WITH AREAS OF LIGHT FREEZING
SPRAY ACROSS THE EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS WATERS.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

ANZ230>237-250-251-254-010845-
BOSTON HARBOR-CAPE COD BAY-NANTUCKET SOUND-VINEYARD SOUND-
BUZZARDS BAY-RHODE ISLAND SOUND-NARRAGANSETT BAY-BLOCK ISLAND SOUND-
COASTAL WATERS EAST OF IPSWICH BAY AND THE STELLWAGEN BANK NATIONAL
MARINE SANCTUARY-MASSACHUSETTS BAY AND IPSWICH BAY-
COASTAL WATERS FROM PROVINCETOWN MA TO CHATHAM MA TO NANTUCKET MA
OUT 20 NM-
438 AM EDT THU MAR 31 2016

...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 11 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR MASSACHUSETTS COASTAL WATERS
AND RHODE ISLAND COASTAL WATERS.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   GALE WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

SUNDAY INTO SUNDAY NIGHT...WEST TO NORTHWEST GALE FORCE WINDS ARE
LIKELY ACROSS THE WATERS ALONG WITH AREAS OF LIGHT FREEZING
SPRAY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

CTZ004-MAZ005-006-012-010845-
WINDHAM CT-CENTRAL MIDDLESEX MA-WESTERN ESSEX MA-
SOUTHERN WORCESTER MA-
438 AM EDT THU MAR 31 2016

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHERN CONNECTICUT...CENTRAL
MASSACHUSETTS...EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS AND
NORTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

SOUTHWEST WINDS MAY GUST UP TO 45 MPH OR HIGHER THIS AFTERNOON.
WIND ADVISORIES MAY BE NEEDED IF FORECAST CONFIDENCE INCREASES.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

FOR THE LATEST UPDATES...PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBPAGE AT
WWW.WEATHER.GOV/BOSTON

YOU CAN FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AT
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/NWSBOSTON

YOU CAN FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AT
@NWSBOSTON

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Mar 31, 2:59 AM EST, 5 hours 56 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
359 AM EDT THU MAR 31 2016

MAZ020>024-RIZ006>008-311800-
SOUTHERN BRISTOL MA-SOUTHERN PLYMOUTH MA-BARNSTABLE MA-DUKES MA-
NANTUCKET MA-WASHINGTON RI-NEWPORT RI-BLOCK ISLAND RI-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FALL RIVER...NEW BEDFORD...
MATTAPOISETT...CHATHAM...FALMOUTH...PROVINCETOWN...
VINEYARD HAVEN...NANTUCKET...NARRAGANSETT...WESTERLY...NEWPORT...
BLOCK ISLAND
359 AM EDT THU MAR 31 2016

...ELEVATED FIRE WEATHER POTENTIAL ACROSS MASSACHUSETTS TODAY...

MASSACHUSETTS FIRE WEATHER OFFICIALS HAVE ADVISED OF AN ELEVATED
FIRE SPREAD POTENTIAL TODAY WITH WARMER TEMPERATURES AND STRONG
SOUTHWEST WINDS ACROSS THE STATE THROUGH THIS EVENING.

SUSTAINED 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UPWARDS OF 30 MPH ACROSS INTERIOR
PORTIONS OF THE STATE...40 TO 50 MPH ACROSS EASTERN AND SOUTHEASTERN
AREAS...WILL ELEVATE FIRE WEATHER POTENTIAL.

BUT RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES RANGING AROUND 40 TO 60 PERCENT ROUGHLY
NORTH TO SOUTH ACROSS THE STATE WILL HELP MODERATE IGNITION POTENTIAL
AND KEEP FIRE WEATHER THRESHOLDS BELOW WATCH OR WARNING CRITERIA.

SIPPRELL

Special weather statement, Mar 31, 3:31 AM EST, 5 hours 24 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
431 AM EDT THU MAR 31 2016

MAZ002>024-026-311800-
WESTERN FRANKLIN MA-EASTERN FRANKLIN MA-NORTHERN WORCESTER MA-
CENTRAL MIDDLESEX MA-WESTERN ESSEX MA-EASTERN ESSEX MA-
WESTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-WESTERN HAMPDEN MA-EASTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-
EASTERN HAMPDEN MA-SOUTHERN WORCESTER MA-WESTERN NORFOLK MA-
SOUTHEAST MIDDLESEX MA-SUFFOLK MA-EASTERN NORFOLK MA-
NORTHERN BRISTOL MA-WESTERN PLYMOUTH MA-EASTERN PLYMOUTH MA-
SOUTHERN BRISTOL MA-SOUTHERN PLYMOUTH MA-BARNSTABLE MA-DUKES MA-
NANTUCKET MA-NORTHERN MIDDLESEX MA-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...CHARLEMONT...GREENFIELD...ORANGE...
BARRE...FITCHBURG...FRAMINGHAM...LOWELL...LAWRENCE...GLOUCESTER...
CHESTERFIELD...BLANDFORD...AMHERST...NORTHAMPTON...SPRINGFIELD...
MILFORD...WORCESTER...FOXBORO...NORWOOD...CAMBRIDGE...BOSTON...
QUINCY...TAUNTON...BROCKTON...PLYMOUTH...FALL RIVER...
NEW BEDFORD...MATTAPOISETT...CHATHAM...FALMOUTH...PROVINCETOWN...
VINEYARD HAVEN...NANTUCKET...AYER
431 AM EDT THU MAR 31 2016

...ELEVATED FIRE WEATHER POTENTIAL ACROSS MASSACHUSETTS TODAY...

MASSACHUSETTS FIRE WEATHER OFFICIALS HAVE ADVISED OF AN ELEVATED
FIRE SPREAD POTENTIAL TODAY WITH WARMER TEMPERATURES AND STRONG
SOUTHWEST WINDS ACROSS THE STATE THROUGH THIS EVENING.

SUSTAINED 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UPWARDS OF 30 MPH ACROSS INTERIOR
PORTIONS OF THE STATE...40 TO 50 MPH ACROSS EASTERN AND SOUTHEASTERN
AREAS...WILL ELEVATE FIRE WEATHER POTENTIAL.

BUT RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES RANGING AROUND 40 TO 60 PERCENT ROUGHLY
NORTH TO SOUTH ACROSS THE STATE WILL HELP MODERATE IGNITION POTENTIAL
AND KEEP FIRE WEATHER THRESHOLDS BELOW WATCH OR WARNING CRITERIA.

SIPPRELL

Special weather statement, Mar 31, 7:47 AM EST, 1 hour 8 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
847 AM EDT THU MAR 31 2016

MAZ002>024-026-RIZ001>007-312100-
WESTERN FRANKLIN MA-EASTERN FRANKLIN MA-NORTHERN WORCESTER MA-
CENTRAL MIDDLESEX MA-WESTERN ESSEX MA-EASTERN ESSEX MA-
WESTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-WESTERN HAMPDEN MA-EASTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-
EASTERN HAMPDEN MA-SOUTHERN WORCESTER MA-WESTERN NORFOLK MA-
SOUTHEAST MIDDLESEX MA-SUFFOLK MA-EASTERN NORFOLK MA-
NORTHERN BRISTOL MA-WESTERN PLYMOUTH MA-EASTERN PLYMOUTH MA-
SOUTHERN BRISTOL MA-SOUTHERN PLYMOUTH MA-BARNSTABLE MA-DUKES MA-
NANTUCKET MA-NORTHERN MIDDLESEX MA-NORTHWEST PROVIDENCE RI-
SOUTHEAST PROVIDENCE RI-WESTERN KENT RI-EASTERN KENT RI-
BRISTOL RI-WASHINGTON RI-NEWPORT RI-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...CHARLEMONT...GREENFIELD...ORANGE...
BARRE...FITCHBURG...FRAMINGHAM...LOWELL...LAWRENCE...GLOUCESTER...
CHESTERFIELD...BLANDFORD...AMHERST...NORTHAMPTON...SPRINGFIELD...
MILFORD...WORCESTER...FOXBORO...NORWOOD...CAMBRIDGE...BOSTON...
QUINCY...TAUNTON...BROCKTON...PLYMOUTH...FALL RIVER...
NEW BEDFORD...MATTAPOISETT...CHATHAM...FALMOUTH...PROVINCETOWN...
VINEYARD HAVEN...NANTUCKET...AYER...FOSTER...SMITHFIELD...
PROVIDENCE...WEST GREENWICH...WARWICK...BRISTOL...NARRAGANSETT...
WESTERLY...NEWPORT
847 AM EDT THU MAR 31 2016

...ELEVATED FIRE WEATHER POTENTIAL ACROSS MASSACHUSETTS AND RHODE
ISLAND TODAY...

MASSACHUSETTS AND RHODE ISLAND FIRE WEATHER OFFICIALS HAVE
ADVISED OF AN ELEVATED FIRE SPREAD POTENTIAL TODAY WITH WARMER
TEMPERATURES AND STRONG SOUTHWEST WINDS ACROSS THE STATE THROUGH
THIS EVENING.

SUSTAINED 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UPWARDS OF 35 MPH ACROSS
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS...45 TO 55 MPH ACROSS RHODE ISLAND AND
EASTERN AND SOUTHEASTERN AREAS OF MASSACHUSETTS...WILL ELEVATE
FIRE WEATHER POTENTIAL.

BUT RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES RANGING AROUND 40 TO 60 PERCENT ROUGHLY
NORTH TO SOUTH ACROSS THE STATE WILL HELP MODERATE IGNITION POTENTIAL
AND KEEP FIRE WEATHER THRESHOLDS BELOW WATCH OR WARNING CRITERIA.

DUNTEN

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

10 high wind, 2 strong wind. Local standard time, as filed.

High Wind, Eastern Plymouth

When: March 31, 8:55 AM EST to 2:16 PM EST
Where: Eastern Plymouth forecast zone
Measured: 40 kt (46 mph) measured sustained
Property damage: $85,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 42.079, -70.960 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A tree and primary wires were downed on Clifford Road and Doten Street in Plymouth. The WeatherFlow reporting site at Duxbury recorded sustained winds of 47 mph and gusts of 64 mph. Numerous trees and wires were downed throughout Duxbury. A tree was downed onto a house on Kingstown Way in Duxbury. Wires on Elder Brewster Road were downed in Duxbury. A tree at Pembroke Road and Reed Street was downed in Kingston. Wires on Indian Pond Road in Kingston were downed. A tree on Route 2 at South Street was downed onto wires in Kingston. Wires on West Street and Rogers Street were downed in Duxbury. The Automated Surface Observing System at Plymouth Municipal Airport (KPYM) recorded wind gusts of 60 mph. Numerous trees were downed on Tremont Street in Duxbury, including one on a house that started a brush fire. Power lines were downed across Cherry Street in Plymouth. In Marshfield, trees and wires were downed across town, including on Mount Skirgo Street, North Street, Plain Street, Pine Street, and the intersection of Acorn and Moraine Streets. Power was out to town hall and the center of town. The Automated Weather Observation System at Marshfield Municipal Airport (KGHG) recorded wind gusts of 58 mph. A tree and wires on Acorn Street were downed in Duxbury.

High Wind, Western Norfolk

When: March 31, 10:18 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST
Where: Western Norfolk forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 42.171, -71.184 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wires were downed on Chestnut Street in Foxborough. An amateur radio operator in Brookline recorded a wind gust of 58 mph on their home weather station. A large tree was uprooted and leaning against a house in Norfolk. A large limb was downed onto wires in Pembroke. Trees were downed onto wires in Hanson and Rockland. Power lines were downed on Taunton Street near the elementary school in Wrentham. The bus loop was closed because of the downed lines.

Strong Wind, Northern Worcester

When: March 31, 10:28 AM EST to 12:27 PM EST
Where: Northern Worcester forecast zone
Measured: 45 kt (52 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 42.351, -71.908 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Trees were downed on Pommogusett Road and Emerald Road in Rutland. Trees on Mill Road and Pleasant Street were downed in Barre. A tree was downed onto the MBTA Commuter Rail tracks, blocking them and delaying train traffic. A tree on Underwood Road was downed in Hubbardston.

High Wind, Western Middlesex

When: March 31, 10:32 AM EST to 1:20 PM EST
Where: Western Middlesex forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $40,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 42.486, -71.392 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A tree and wires were downed, blocking the northbound lane of Middlesex Turnpike at Lake Street in Billerica. Large branches were downed on Juniper Street and Sylvan Road in Billerica. A tree on Spectacle Pond Road was downed onto wires in Littleton. Sudbury Road at Oxbow Road in Concord was closed due to a downed tree. Multiple trees and large limbs were downed on Elm Street, Ash Street, and Saddle Hill Spring Road. Trees and wires were downed near Cambridge Street and Church Lane in Burlington.

High Wind, Suffolk

When: March 31, 11:02 AM EST to 2:00 PM EST
Where: Suffolk forecast zone
Measured: 39 kt (45 mph) measured sustained
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 42.264, -71.125 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A tree and pole were downed on Reservoir Avenue in Revere. Multiple power lines were downed on Crawford Street in Boston. A tree was downed on Cranmore Road in Boston. A large tree and wires were downed on Badger Street in Boston. The WeatherFlow recording site at Deer Island recorded sustained wind speeds of 45 mph. The WeatherFlow recording site at Pleasure Bay recorded sustained wind speeds of 44 mph.

High Wind, Northern Bristol

When: March 31, 11:10 AM EST to 1:29 PM EST
Where: Northern Bristol forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 41.757, -71.088 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A tree on Cranberry Lane was downed onto wires in Easton. Power lines were downed in Easton, causing a small brush fire. A tree was downed in Attleboro. Wires were downed on Chestnut Hill Drive in Seekonk. A temporary portable aluminum garage was blown off its location and was hanging in the wires on Beaver Street in Easton.

High Wind, Eastern Essex

When: March 31, 11:25 AM EST to 1:20 PM EST
Where: Eastern Essex forecast zone
Measured: 36 kt (41 mph) measured sustained
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 42.639, -70.868 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Multiple tree branches, power lines, and wires were downed throughout Lynn. A tree was downed onto a house on Manning Road in Lynn. A tree was downed onto a house on Hawthorne Street in Lynn. A tree on Boston Street was downed onto a car in Lynn. A large billboard sign was blown off on Western Avenue in Lynn. The WeatherFlow reporting site at Children's Island recorded sustained wind speeds of 44 mph.

High Wind, Eastern Norfolk

When: March 31, 11:35 AM EST to 1:34 PM EST
Where: Eastern Norfolk forecast zone
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 42.171, -71.184 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Automated Surface Observing System at Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center (KMQE) recorded sustained wind speeds of 44 mph and gusts to 66 mph. A tree was downed onto the MBTA tracks in Quincy, blocking train traffic and causing delays. The second floor of an old carriage house barn on Lovell Street in Weymouth collapsed into the neighbors yard. While the wind surely aided in this collapse, first responders reported the building had clearly been deteriorating for a long time.

Strong Wind, Eastern Franklin

When: March 31, 11:39 AM EST
Where: Eastern Franklin forecast zone
Measured: 40 kt (46 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 42.583, -72.592 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A tree and wires on North Leverett Road were downed in Leverett.

High Wind, Western Plymouth

When: March 31, 11:46 AM EST to 1:42 PM EST
Where: Western Plymouth forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 41.987, -70.737 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A tree on Crescent and West Streets was downed in West Bridgewater. A phone pole was downed on Fort Park Circle in Whitman. A large tree was downed onto a house service wire on Linwood Street in Abington. A tree was downed in Brockton, blocking half the road.

High Wind, Southern Worcester

When: March 31, 12:10 PM EST to 1:55 PM EST
Where: Southern Worcester forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 42.351, -71.908 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A tree was downed onto a car on Greenwood Street in Worcester. A tree on Mugget Road was downed in Charlton. Hudson Avenue was closed from Brigham Hill Road to Millbury Street because of a tree downed on wires. A tree and wires were downed on South Street. The wires were disconnected from the pole but still connected to the house.

High Wind, Southeast Middlesex

When: March 31, 12:25 PM EST to 12:50 PM EST
Where: Southeast Middlesex forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 42.486, -71.392 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

An eight to ten inch diameter oak tree was downed onto the breakdown lane of Route 128 between exits 35 and 36 in Woburn. A tree and a utility pole were snapped on Sedge Road near Diamond Middle School in Lexington.

What these are

High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.
Strong Wind: Non-thunderstorm winds below high wind criteria that nonetheless caused damage or casualties.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Massachusetts in 2016 Every state in 2016 This day in weather history Warnings in Massachusetts, March 2016

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 626448, 626449, 626450, 626451, 626474, 626453, 626457, 626454, 626455, 626458, 626459, 626461.