Flooding and Coastal Flood in Massachusetts, December 23, 2022

Name: Flooding and Coastal Flood in Massachusetts, December 23, 2022
Start: 2022-12-23T02:30
End: 2022-12-23T20:14
Location: Massachusetts

December 23, 2022 · NWS BOX · 30 events in 21 counties and zones

|The storm produced damaging southeast to south winds across much of southern New England and minor to moderate coastal flooding the east and south coasts. There were two rounds of strong wind gusts -- one in the morning and one in the late afternoon and evening.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 28 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: $146,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 30

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.

Low pressure deepened rapidly as it tracked through the eastern Great Lakes.|The storm produced damaging southeast to south winds across much of southern New England and minor to moderate coastal flooding the east and south coasts. There were two rounds of strong wind gusts -- one in the morning and one in the late afternoon and evening. Two to 3.5 inches of rain fell across much of RI and interior MA.

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 Dec 23, 2:10 AM EST, 20 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 23, 2:10 AM EST, 20 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
210 AM EST Fri Dec 23 2022

.SYNOPSIS...
A high impact storm brings multiple hazards, including high
winds, coastal flooding, and heavy rainfall today Friday,
followed by plummeting temperatures this evening. A chilly
holiday weekend ahead, while majority of the region remains dry,
areas along the immediate south coast, Cape Cod, and Islands
likely to see ocean-effect snow showers Saturday, and possibly
Sunday. Dry weather is expected next week with a gradual warming
trend. Temperatures could reach the 50s by the end of the week.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TODAY/...
No much change to the synoptic pattern with the latest guidance
suite. Overall forecast remained on track, but will be making a
few tweaks.

-- Winter Weather --

Will probably be able to cancel the Winter Weather Advisory by
4 AM. mesonet observations showed temperatures climbing through
the 30s early this morning, bringing an end to the risk for
snowfall. Expecting any snow which did accumulate last evening
into this morning to largely wash away in the continuing
rainfall today.

-- Strong to Potentially Damaging Winds (Main Storm Impact) --

The main impact today remains the wind threat. Have already seen
sustained winds mainly 20-30 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.
The core of a 65-75 kt 925 mb jet is yet to arrive across the
eastern half of southern New England, which should happen after
sunrise this morning. Wind headlines continue as posted.
Potential remains with wind-related damage and possible power
outages.

A strong arctic front is expected to move across our region this
afternoon into this evening. Winds will shift abruptly to SW,
and intense cold air advection will steepen lapse rates
considerably, and lead to more frequent, albeit somewhat lower
gust speeds to around 45-55 mph into this evening.

The strongest wind gusts are still anticipated across RI and
eastern/southeast MA where local gusts could be as much as 65
mph; farther inland more removed from the stronger jet, peak
gusts up to 50 mph.

-- Heavy Rain, Possible T-Storms and Flooding Potential --

Storm total rainfall around 1 to 2 inches, with 2-3 inches
possible in the upslope-enhanced areas in the eastern slopes of
the Berkshires and Litchfield Hills. Possibility exists for
urban and poor drainage hydrologic problems today. While
generally modest rises are anticipated on most rivers, the
combination of rainfall and added water due to snowmelt along
creeks, rivers and tributaries along the Connecticut and
Merrimack basins. See latest river forecasts from the NERFC for
more information.

Not overly concerned about the risk for thunderstorms today,
except perhaps with the arctic front itself. There will not be
much instability to tap into, but the organizing dynamics are
powerful. The arctic front may be the last piece of the puzzle.
This would be mainly across RI and southeast MA this afternoon.

-- Rapid Temperature Drop This Afternoon --

This remains a tricky aspect of the forecast. The western half
of southern New England is most at risk for having freezing
temperatures by the evening commute. This could result in some
icy spots on untreated surfaces. The main question remains how
much surface drying can occur between the time the rainfall
ends, and the freezing temperatures arrive. At present, thinking
this is only a window of a couple of hours at most.

&&

.SHORT TERM /TONIGHT THROUGH 6 PM SATURDAY/...
Temperatures continue to plummet tonight into Saturday, with
most areas unlikely to get out of the 20s at all Saturday. Sub-
zero winds chills expected tonight, with single digits above
zero to teens Saturday. Gave some through to a Wind Chill
Advisory for portions of Franklin County, but it is such a small
area, just did not think it would be representative of the
larger forecast zone.

Also looking at a rare WSW wind-driven ocean effect snow shower
scenario across the southern coastal waters tonight into
Saturday, which may also graze portions of Cape Cod and the
islands. Given the much colder air and the relatively mild
ocean waters. Have snow amounts up to a couple inches on the
islands, with a coating across Cape Cod.

&&

.LONG TERM /SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY/...
Highlights:

 * Dry and cold on Christmas then a warming trend next week

For those who aren't fans of the Arctic blast this weekend, a
pattern change looks to take place next week that should bring
temperatures back into the 50s as we approach New Year's
weekend.

Deep closed low over Quebec slowly lifts out of region and is
replaced by upper ridging along much of eastern seaboard as deep
trough digs into western third of country. Both GFS/ECMWF and
their ensembles show rising heights through next week which
supports a gradual warming trend. This also favors an overall
dry pattern with little if any precipitation expected through
next Friday.

&&

.AVIATION /06Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
Forecaster Confidence Levels:

Low - less than 30 percent.
Medium - 30 to 60 percent.
High - greater than 60 percent.

Today: High confidence in trends, moderate confidence on
timing.

**Significant aviation impacts probable this period.**

Through this morning: IFR, possible LIFR, ceilings with
steady rain, some heavy at times (low prob T/TS eastern/southeast
airports 12-16z). Strong SE winds, gusts 40-50 kt strongest
eastern/southeast MA and the Cape. Areas of LLWS still possible.

After 16Z: a powerful cold front then moves through our region
with a rapid decrease in rain coverage, ceilings improving to
MVFR-VFR levels, and a gusty wind shift from SE to SW/WSW with
gusts 35-45 kt. Lower probability for the western airports
(mainly BDL-BAF) that any wet pavement could freeze and become
icy as temperatures fall into the upper 20s between 21-00z Sat.

Tonight and Saturday: High confidence.

MVFR to VFR with gusty W to SW winds gusts up to 45 kt.
Generally dry, but ocean-effect SHSN possible at ACK and perhaps
HYA/FMH. Rapid temperature fall likely, which may cause icy
spots on runways. Sub-freezing temperatures continue Saturday.

KBOS Terminal...Moderate confidence.

KBDL Terminal...Moderate confidence.

Outlook /Saturday Night through Tuesday/...

Saturday Night: VFR. Windy with gusts up to 35 kt.

Christmas Day: VFR. Windy with local gusts up to 30 kt.

Sunday Night through Monday: VFR. Breezy.

Monday Night through Tuesday: VFR.

&&

.MARINE...
Forecaster Confidence Levels:

Low - less than 30 percent.
Medium - 30 to 60 percent.
High - greater than 60 percent.

High Confidence.

Powerful low pressure moves farther away from the waters, with a
strong arctic front passing through this afternoon into this
evening. Solid gale-force sustained winds, with frequent gusts
as high as 50 kt. Storm Warnings continue for all waters.

Wind shift from S or SE to the SW behind this front,
along with a rapid drop in temperature. Possibility for some
freezing spray across the nearshore waters after midnight
through Saturday.

Outlook /Saturday Night through Tuesday/...

Saturday Night: Strong winds with gusts up to 30 kt. Rough seas
up to 13 ft. Chance of snow.

Christmas Day: Strong winds with gusts up to 30 kt. Rough seas
up to 12 ft. Slight chance of snow.

Sunday Night: Moderate risk for Small Craft Advisory winds with
gusts up to 25 kt. Rough seas up to 10 ft.

Monday: Low risk for Small Craft Advisory winds with gusts up
to 20 kt. Seas up to 5 ft.

Monday Night: Winds less than 25 kt. Seas locally approaching
5 ft.

Tuesday: Winds less than 25 kt.

&&

.TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
Overall there were no significant changes noted regarding the
concerns for coastal flooding and beach erosion. Prior forecast
thinking remains valid for this update and is below:

* Coastal Flood Warning for both the east and south coasts this
  morning

We continue to expect widespread minor coastal flooding with
pockets of moderate coastal flooding, along with beach erosion.
It is rather unusual to have coastal flooding on an east to
southeast wind, and for it to impact both coasts, but this is a
highly anomalous system.

The magnitude of coastal flooding will be determined by how
quickly the winds/seas ramp up. Guidance still looking like an
earlier onset is most likely. This means a greater risk of
moderate flooding along the south coast for places like
Narragansett Bay.

The high tides occur around 7-9 AM Friday along the south
coasts, and in the 10 AM to noon timeframe across the eastern MA
Coast. Given an ESE wind direction and support from the various
guidance, we are expecting a 1.5 to 3.5 foot storm surge.
Typically vulnerable shoreline roads may become flooded and
impassable within a few hours of high tide. In addition, there
may be significant beach erosion on the south coast, including
ocean-exposed beaches of Rhode Island and Westport. Significant
beach erosion may also occur on the south side of Marthas
Vineyard and Nantucket.

&&

.BOX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CT...Wind Advisory until 7 PM EST this evening for CTZ002>004.
MA...Wind Advisory until 7 PM EST this evening for MAZ002>004-
     008>012-026.
     Winter Weather Advisory until 7 AM EST this morning for MAZ002-
     008-009.
     High Wind Warning until 7 AM EST Saturday for MAZ005>007-
     013>024.
     Coastal Flood Warning from 5 AM early this morning to 2 PM EST
     this afternoon for MAZ007-015-016-019>024.
RI...High Wind Warning until 7 AM EST Saturday for RIZ001>008.
     Coastal Flood Warning from 5 AM early this morning to 2 PM EST
     this afternoon for RIZ002-004>008.
MARINE...Storm Warning until 7 PM EST this evening for ANZ230>237-
     254>256.
     Storm Warning until 1 AM EST Saturday for ANZ250-251.

&&

SYNOPSIS...Belk/JWD
NEAR TERM...Belk
SHORT TERM...Belk
LONG TERM...JWD
AVIATION...Belk/JWD
MARINE...Belk/JWD
TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...Staff

Hazardous weather outlook, Dec 22, 4:08 PM EST, 10 hours 22 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
408 PM EST Thu Dec 22 2022

CTZ002>004-MAZ003-004-010>012-026-232115-
Hartford CT-Tolland CT-Windham CT-Eastern Franklin MA-
Northern Worcester MA-Eastern Hampshire MA-Eastern Hampden MA-
Southern Worcester MA-Northern Middlesex MA-
408 PM EST Thu Dec 22 2022

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 7 PM EST FRIDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern Connecticut, central
Massachusetts, eastern Massachusetts and western Massachusetts.

.DAY ONE...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.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Wind Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

MAZ005-006-013-014-017-018-RIZ001-003-232115-
Central Middlesex MA-Western Essex MA-Western Norfolk MA-
Southeast Middlesex MA-Northern Bristol MA-Western Plymouth MA-
Northwest Providence RI-Western Kent RI-
408 PM EST Thu Dec 22 2022

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM FRIDAY TO 7 AM EST
SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern Massachusetts,
northeastern Massachusetts, southeastern Massachusetts and northern
Rhode Island.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

MAZ002-008-009-232115-
Western Franklin MA-Western Hampshire MA-Western Hampden MA-
408 PM EST Thu Dec 22 2022

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST FRIDAY...
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 7 PM EST FRIDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western Massachusetts.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Wind Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Wind Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

MAZ007-015-016-019>024-RIZ002-004>008-232115-
Eastern Essex MA-Suffolk MA-Eastern Norfolk MA-Eastern Plymouth MA-
Southern Bristol MA-Southern Plymouth MA-Barnstable MA-Dukes MA-
Nantucket MA-Southeast Providence RI-Eastern Kent RI-Bristol RI-
Washington RI-Newport RI-Block Island RI-
408 PM EST Thu Dec 22 2022

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM FRIDAY TO 7 AM EST
SATURDAY...
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 2 PM EST FRIDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern Massachusetts,
northeastern Massachusetts, southeastern Massachusetts, northern
Rhode Island and southern Rhode Island.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.
   Coastal Flood Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.
   Coastal Flood Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

ANZ230>237-254>256-232115-
Boston Harbor-Cape Cod Bay-Nantucket Sound-Vineyard Sound-
Buzzards Bay-Rhode Island Sound-Narragansett Bay-Block Island Sound-
Coastal waters from Provincetown MA to Chatham MA to Nantucket MA
out 20 nm-
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-
408 PM EST Thu Dec 22 2022

...STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 7 PM EST FRIDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Massachusetts coastal waters
and Rhode Island coastal waters.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

ANZ250-251-232115-
Coastal waters east of Ipswich Bay and the Stellwagen Bank National
Marine Sanctuary-Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay-
408 PM EST Thu Dec 22 2022

...STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM FRIDAY TO 1 AM EST SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Massachusetts coastal waters.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

For more information on upcoming hazardous weather, please see the
Area Forecast Discussion on our webpage for the latest forecast
thinking. There is also our Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook at
www.weather.gov/box/ehwo

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

Local storm report, Dec 22, 10:29 PM EST, 4 hours 1 minute before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BOSTON/NORTON MA
1029 PM EST THU DEC 22 2022

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0845 PM     SNOW             1 SE CHESTERFIELD       42.39N 72.84W
12/22/2022  M1.5 INCH        HAMPSHIRE          MA   TRAINED SPOTTER

1005 PM     SNOW             1 ESE PLAINFIELD        42.51N 72.91W
12/22/2022  E2.3 INCH        HAMPSHIRE          MA   TRAINED SPOTTER

0715 PM     SNOW             1 WNW COLRAIN           42.67N 72.70W
12/22/2022  M1.5 INCH        FRANKLIN           MA   TRAINED SPOTTER

1022 PM     SNOW             ROWE                    42.69N 72.90W
12/22/2022  E1.5 INCH        FRANKLIN           MA   TRAINED SPOTTER

1027 PM     SNOW             1 W LEYDEN              42.70N 72.63W
12/22/2022  E1.3 INCH        FRANKLIN           MA   TRAINED SPOTTER

1027 PM     SNOW             1 NNW SHELBURNE         42.59N 72.69W
12/22/2022  E1.5 INCH        FRANKLIN           MA   TRAINED SPOTTER

&&

The radar

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

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

10 strong wind, 9 high wind, 9 coastal flood, 2 flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Strong Wind, Eastern Essex

When: December 23, 2:30 AM EST to 8:30 AM EST
Where: Eastern Essex forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 42.639, -70.868 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Lynn at 230 AM EST, a large tree branch was down on South Common Street. In Ipswich at 530 AM EST, a tree fell into a house on Edge Street. No injuries were reported. In Salem at 634 AM EST, a large tree branch fell onto a house on Dodge Street, damaging a window and a section of fencing. In Salisbury at 645 AM EST, a mobile mini-storage container was blown over and damaged, off of Bridge Road.

High Wind, Western Essex

When: December 23, 5:08 AM EST
Where: Western Essex forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 42.639, -70.868 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Lawrence at 508 PM, the ASOS at KLWM Airport recorded a gust to 59 mph.

Coastal Flood, Southern Bristol

When: December 23, 5:55 AM EST to 10:15 AM EST
Where: Southern Bristol forecast zone
Property damage: $7,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 41.757, -71.088 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Dartmouth at 555 AM, Smith Neck Road by Padanaram Bridge was closed due to splashover and debris. In New Bedford at 646 AM, police reported 1 foot of coastal flooding on roadways and at 717 AM, Fort Taber Park was closed due to coastal flooding. In Freetown at 730 AM, there was flooding on Water Street from the tidal influence of the Assonet River. In Dartmouth at 738 AM, Cushman Lane at Russells Mills Road was closed due to coastal flooding. In Westport at 8 AM, amateur radio reported that Westport Harbor had 2 feet of street flooding on harbor roads and water was up to the bottom of DPW vehicles. In Westport at 1005 AM, rocks were piled up several inches deep on East Beach Road, just to the east of Horseneck Beach, requiring a bulldozer to remove them.

High Wind, Western Essex

When: December 23, 6:06 AM EST to 5:20 PM EST
Where: Western Essex forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $16,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 42.639, -70.868 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In North Andover at 606 AM, news media showed a tree on a house and a car, significantly damaging the car, on Route 114 (Turnpike Street). Also in North Andover, at 608 AM, the Fire Department reported a large tree down on high tension wires on Johnson Street. In Andover at 610 AM, police reported a tree down near the intersection of Juniper Road and Chandler Road. A CWOP observed wind gust of 57 mph was reported from Bradford, MA at 520 PM. Nearby, in Lawrence, the ASOS at the Lawrence Airport (KLWM) recorded a gust to 59 mph at 508 PM. Similar gusts likely occurred during the morning event.

Strong Wind, Eastern Hampden

When: December 23, 6:20 AM EST to 7:10 AM EST
Where: Eastern Hampden forecast zone
Measured: 48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $6,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 42.135, -72.632 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Springfield at 620 AM, the Fire Department reported a tree down on a house on Emerson Street. In Westfield at 710 AM, a trained spotter reported shingles blown off a home and part of a fence blown down on Falley Drive.

Strong Wind, Southern Plymouth

When: December 23, 6:29 AM EST to 7:35 PM EST
Where: Southern Plymouth forecast zone
Measured: 39 kt (45 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $800
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 41.987, -70.737 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Mattapoisett at 629 AM, police reported a tree and wires down at the intersection of North Street and North Woods Lane. Later in the day, at 725 PM, an AWS weather station 2 miles ESE of Marion reported a gust to 45 mph.

Strong Wind, Western Hampshire

When: December 23, 6:30 AM EST to 6:45 AM EST
Where: Western Hampshire forecast zone
Measured: 48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 42.340, -72.664 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Goshen at 630 AM, a tree was down on wires on Adams Street. In Huntington at 630 AM, a tree was down on County Road.

Coastal Flood, Southern Plymouth

When: December 23, 6:30 AM EST to 8:11 AM EST
Where: Southern Plymouth forecast zone
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 41.987, -70.737 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Fairhaven at 630 AM, several inches of street flooding were reported on Beechwood Street, Cove Street, and at Wilbur Point. Also in Fairhaven, at 7 AM, there were several inches of coastal flooding, with seaweed and debris, on Goulart Memorial Drive and the West Island Causeway. In Wareham at 704 AM, police reported 12-18 inches of inundation from coastal flooding on Roby/Pond Streets. In Mattapoisett at 719 AM, amateur radio operators reported coastal flooding at the Town Wharf and on Ned's Point Road. In Marion at 811 AM, a section of Front Street was closed due to coastal flooding.

Strong Wind, Western Plymouth

When: December 23, 6:51 AM EST to 7:40 PM EST
Where: Western Plymouth forecast zone
Measured: 42 kt (48 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 41.987, -70.737 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Halifax at 651 AM, a tree was down on Route 58 at Palmerville Road. Winds generally were gusting to 45 to 50 mph. In Abington around 730 AM, several trees were down in the vicinity of Bedford Street (Route 18). In Rockland at 740 PM, a tree was down on wires on Beech Street.

High Wind, Western Middlesex

When: December 23, 6:52 AM EST to 7:40 PM EST
Where: Western Middlesex forecast zone
Measured: 49 kt (56 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $17,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 42.486, -71.392 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Wayland at 645 AM, the fire department reported that a tree fell onto a house and penetrated the roof on Rice Spring Lane. In Stow, amateur radio operators reported a large tree down on Harvard Road at Sylvan Drive. In Chelmsford at 738 AM, amateur radio relayed a public report of trees and wires down on Acton Road between Fay Street and Parker Road. In Tewksbury at 803 AM, wires were reported down on a bus on Rogers Street. In North Billerica at 5 PM, a tree fell, resulting in deck and fence damage of a private property. In Acton at 640 PM, a 35-foot long by 10-inch diameter tree limb was down on Strawberry Hill Road. In Stow at 7 PM, amateur radio reported multiple power lines down. In Concord at 740 PM, the public reported numerous trees and wires down on Strawberry Hill Road. At 446 PM, a CWOP station in Westford recorded a gust to 56 mph. At 448 PM, the ASOS at the Beford Airport (KBED) recorded a gust to 52 mph.

Strong Wind, Eastern Plymouth

When: December 23, 7:24 AM EST to 8:24 AM EST
Where: Eastern Plymouth forecast zone
Measured: 39 kt (45 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 42.079, -70.960 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Hingham at 724 AM, trees were down on Cushing Street and on Gardner Street.

Coastal Flood, Barnstable

When: December 23, 7:45 AM EST to 11:46 AM EST
Where: Barnstable forecast zone
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 41.684, -70.274 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Bourne at 745 AM, Ocean Avenue was partially flooded. In Wellfleet at 1010 AM, the Powers Landing Beach parking lot was closed due to coastal flooding. In Chatham at 1015 AM, Champlain Road was flooded and impassable. In Provincetown, Howland Street at Bradford Street (Route 6A) was closed due to coastal flooding and by 1130 AM, several homes were flooded on Bradford Street. There was significant flooding on Commercial Street in Provincetown. In Hyannis at 1146 AM, Bayview Street at Hyannis Harbor was flooded and impassable (at Bayview Street Beach).

Coastal Flood, Dukes

When: December 23, 7:45 AM EST to 11:45 AM EST
Where: Dukes forecast zone
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 41.389, -70.699 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Vineyard Gazette and GoMV.Com showed photos of moderate flooding in Vineyard Haven on Water Street near the Steamship Authority and in the Five Corners area. In Edgartown, moderate coastal flooding also occurred, with the Dock Street flooded (via the Chappaquiddick Ferry) and other flooding on the Chappaquiddick side of the harbor. In Oak Bluffs, the was moderate flooding on Lake Avenue and Beach Road, per the Vineyard Gazette and Martha's Vineyard Times.

Coastal Flood, Nantucket

When: December 23, 7:45 AM EST to 11:45 AM EST
Where: Nantucket forecast zone
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: State Official
Coordinates: 41.270, -70.022 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Minor to moderate flooding occurred on Nantucket, per photos from Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management. Coastal flooding occurred on New Whale Street, Harbor View Way, Easy Street, Easton Street, and Oak Street.

High Wind, Southern Worcester

When: December 23, 9:12 AM EST to 5:38 PM EST
Where: Southern Worcester forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $4,000
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 42.351, -71.908 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Worcester at 912 AM, police reported trees and/or wires down on numerous streets across the city, including: Granite at Kristen St., Carpenter St., Winifred Ave., Grafton Ave., March St., and Wake Ave. In Oxford at 1226 PM, 3-inch tree limbs and power lines were down, per a public report. At 411 PM, the ASOS at the Worcester Airport (KORH) recorded a wind gust to 59 mph. In Worcester at 538 PM, a tree was down on June Street.

Coastal Flood, Eastern Essex

When: December 23, 9:48 AM EST to 10:40 AM EST
Where: Eastern Essex forecast zone
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 42.639, -70.868 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Swampscott at 948 AM, amateur radio reported that a section of Humphrey Street was closed due to coastal flooding and at 1005 AM a section of Atlantic Avenue was closed. In Lynn at 948 AM, amateur radio reported that a section of Summer Street was closed due to coastal flooding; at 10 AM there was minor flooding over the sea wall; at 1017 AM, Lynnway was flooded between Commercial St. and Marine Blvd. In Ipswich at 954 AM, a section of Water St. was impassable due to coastal flooding on the Ipswich River. In Salem at 1005 AM, Bridge Street was closed. In Nahant at 1005 AM, there was minor flooding on Nahant Causeway, with rock thrown up onto the Causeway. In Salisbury, MA Coastal Zone Management reported that Liberty Street was flooded. On Plum Island in Newbury, a large section of a rear wall of abandoned house was washed away on 73rd Street, sometime after the 1030 AM high tide. This was confirmed by emergency management. MA Coastal Zone Management reported flooding on Plum Island Turnpike.

Coastal Flood, Eastern Plymouth

When: December 23, 9:50 AM EST to 12:11 PM EST
Where: Eastern Plymouth forecast zone
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 42.079, -70.960 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Duxbury at 950 AM, the public reported that Washington Street, King Caesar Road, and Gurnet Road were flooded and impassable due to coastal flooding. In Scituate at 10 AM, Bailey's Causeway was flooded and at 1015 AM, the intersection of Front Street and Edward Foster Road was closed. The Scituate town parking lot was starting to flood. In Hingham at 1035 AM, the intersection of Kilby Street and Rockland Street was impassable due to coastal flooding. In Duxbury at 1211 PM, Pine Point Place was flooded. In Scituate, also at 1211 PM, there were many photos of significant flooding at the Mill Wharf, just east of Front Street and north of Old Dock Street.

Coastal Flood, Suffolk

When: December 23, 9:50 AM EST to 11:00 AM EST
Where: Suffolk forecast zone
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 42.264, -71.125 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Boston at 950 AM, Morrissey Blvd. was closed in multiple areas due to coastal flooding. |A short while later, moderate coastal flooding completely inundated Harborwalk and Long Wharf. In Revere at 1011 AM, Mills Avenue was flooded and impassable. In Chelsea at 1015 AM, a section of Bennington Street was flooded and nearly impassable. In Winthrop at 1015 AM, the Beachmont School parking lot was flooded. In East Boston at 1056 AM, a Twitter video showed significant street flooding on Maverick Street.

Coastal Flood, Eastern Norfolk

When: December 23, 9:50 AM EST to 12:11 PM EST
Where: Eastern Norfolk forecast zone
Reported by: State Official
Coordinates: 42.171, -71.184 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Quincy, portions of East Squantum Street, Dorchester Street, and the causeway near Victory Road were flooded.

Flood, Franklin

When: December 23, 12:17 PM EST
Where: Franklin County, 0.13 mi WNW of Montague to 0.16 mi WNW of Montague
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.531, -72.532

A public MPing report was received from 2 miles south of Montague center, indicating either a creek overflowing or basement flooding. Rainfall in the area ranged from 1.45 inches in Greenfield (CWOP) to 3.50 inches in Shelburne Falls (CoCoRaHS).

Flood, Worcester

When: December 23, 12:19 PM EST
Where: Worcester County, 1.21 mi ENE of Fitchburg to 1.23 mi ENE of Fitchburg
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.585, -71.777

In Fitchburg at 1219 PM, a Twitter video showed substantial street flooding on John Fitch Highway.

High Wind, Barnstable

When: December 23, 3:29 PM EST to 7:57 PM EST
Where: Barnstable forecast zone
Measured: 64 kt (74 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 41.684, -70.274 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Weatherflow mesonet sites measure wind gusts of 74 mph at Kalmus (728 PM), 72 mph at West Dennis (357 PM), 63 mph at Waquoit Bay (351 PM), 61 mph at Chatham (735 PM), 60 mph at West Falmouth (329 PM), and 60 mph at Hatch Beach (757 PM). The AWOS at Provincetown Airport (KPVC) recorded a gust to 61 mph at 643 PM. The ASOS at Hyannis Airport (KHYA) recorded a gust to 60 mph at 653 PM.

High Wind, Dukes

When: December 23, 3:33 PM EST to 6:00 PM EST
Where: Dukes forecast zone
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 41.389, -70.699 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A Weatherflow in Oak Bluffs (Vineyard Station - XVIN) recorded a gust to 61 mph at 333 PM. A Davis weather station in Edgartown recorded a gust to 52 mph at 645 PM.

Strong Wind, Northern Bristol

When: December 23, 3:55 PM EST
Where: Northern Bristol forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $4,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 41.757, -71.088 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Taunton at 355 PM, a tree was down on a school bus on Hart Street. No injuries were reported.

Strong Wind, Northern Worcester

When: December 23, 3:58 PM EST to 5:15 PM EST
Where: Northern Worcester forecast zone
Measured: 48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $4,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.351, -71.908 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Leicester at 358 PM, the public reported trees and power poles down. In Sterling at 515 PM, multiple trees were down on Justice Hill Road.

High Wind, Suffolk

When: December 23, 4:04 PM EST
Where: Suffolk forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 42.264, -71.125 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The ASOS at Logan International Airport in Boston (KBOS) recorded a gust to 60 mph at 404 PM.

Strong Wind, Northwest Middlesex County

When: December 23, 4:45 PM EST to 5:40 PM EST
Where: Northwest Middlesex County forecast zone
Measured: 48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 42.486, -71.392 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Ashby, trees were down on Taylor Road and Jewett Hill Road.

Strong Wind, Southeast Middlesex

When: December 23, 4:50 PM EST
Where: Southeast Middlesex forecast zone
Measured: 48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.486, -71.392 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Lexington at 450 PM, a tree was down on Constitution Road.

High Wind, Nantucket

When: December 23, 6:35 PM EST
Where: Nantucket forecast zone
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 41.270, -70.022 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

At 635 PM, the ASOS at Nantucket Airport (KACK) recorded a gust to 61 mph.

High Wind, Eastern Plymouth

When: December 23, 6:35 PM EST to 8:14 PM EST
Where: Eastern Plymouth forecast zone
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 42.079, -70.960 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In the southeast part of Plymouth at 814 PM, a trained spotter recorded a wind gust to 66 mph. A Weatherflow station at the Hull Yacht Club recorded a wind gust to 61 mph at 637 PM. The AWOS at Marshfield Airport (KGHG) recorded a wind gust to 58 mph at 635 PM.

What these are

Strong Wind: Non-thunderstorm winds below high wind criteria that nonetheless caused damage or casualties.
High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.
Coastal Flood: Flooding of coastal land by the sea, from storm surge, onshore wind or high tides.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Massachusetts in 2022 Every state in 2022 This day in weather history Warnings in Massachusetts, December 2022

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: 1064023, 1064039, 1064049, 1064056, 1064064, 1064075, 1064069, 1064080, 1064181, 1064089, 1064294, 1064345, 1073752, 1073753, 1064356, 1064019, 1064402, 1064411, 1074757, 1064417, 1064422, 1064435, 1064437, 1064446, 1064441, 1064443, 1064449, 1064451, 1064458, 1064463.