Massachusetts, 2023

Tornado and Flash Flooding in Massachusetts, July 29, 2023

July 29, 2023 · NWS BOX · 19 events in 7 counties and zones

A shortwave disturbance and potent cold front brought multiple rounds of thunderstorms to Massachusetts in the afternoon and evening including a tornado in the Foxboro area. Flash flooding was also an issue with many cars becoming stuck in water and many closed roads.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. 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
$16,000
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
19

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.

A shortwave disturbance and potent cold front brought multiple rounds of thunderstorms to Massachusetts in the afternoon and evening including a tornado in the Foxboro area. Flash flooding was also an issue with many cars becoming stuck in water and many closed roads.

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 Jul 29, 9:31 AM EST, 3 hours 19 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 29, 9:31 AM EST, 3 hours 19 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
1031 AM EDT Sat Jul 29 2023

.SYNOPSIS...
Another round of strong to severe thunderstorms and flash
flooding is possible today as a cold front slides through.
Much more comfortable airmass moves in for Sunday and remains in
place through much of the week. A frontal system will bring
more showers and perhaps a few thunderstorms late in the week.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 8 PM THIS EVENING/...

1030 AM Update...

Previous forecast mainly on track, thus not many changes with
this update. Not much to add to previous forecasters discussion
below. Here are some observations based latest satellite, radar
and observational trends ...

Three clusters of convection at 10 AM being observed, 1) cluster
of storms south and east of ACK. This is on the nose of the 850
mb jet and surging PWATs 2+ inches (this was the severe storm
that hit BID around 530 AM), 2) thunderstorms across the
eastern Great Lakes into northern NYS associated with RRQ of
upper level jet streak and 3) cluster of storms in SW PA
associated with mid level jet/speed max. In between all three of
these clusters, there is weak synoptic scale subsidence across
SNE. This may limit showers from the Catskills eastward into
northern CT, from blossoming into strong to severe convection
over the next few hours. Current thinking is if this area
develops into thunderstorms, the convection will be subsevere.
Although low forecast confidence give CAPEs climbing to about
1500 j/kg this afternoon, combined with 30-40 kt of deep layer
shear. The other dilemma is with upper level jet streak lifting
off to the NE, will thrust of NYS convection track just north of
our region? Also, with mid level jet over OH into southwest PA
expected to track south of New England, will this upstream
convection rob from storms advecting and developing across SNE
this afternoon and evening? Interesting that machine learning
convective probs are highest across the Mid Atlantic into NJ.
Thus lots of moving parts here yielding a below average
convective forecast. So we know there will be scattered storms
across the region this afternoon, we just don't know how
widespread or favorable areas for severe storms. Hopefully the
new 12z guidance will provide some clues.

Otherwise, another hot and humid day with 10 AM temps already in
the upper 70s and lower 80s. This combined with dew pts of
70-75, already yielding heat indices in the upper 80s and lower
90s. Still expecting highs to reach 85-90 with heat indices in
the mid to upper 90s! Thus, heat advisory remains in effect.
Also, these high dew points and column moisture off the charts
with PWATs climbing to 2+ inches this afternoon and evening,
combined with well above normal flows in rivers and streams, a
flood watch remains in effect. Torrential downpours are expected
with the potential for any storm to dump a quick 1-2" of rain in
short period of time. Isolated storm totals of 3-4" are
possible. Earlier discussion is below.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

415 AM Update:

Key Points:

* Heat and Humidity Continues, Humidity Breaking Later Tonight.

* Potential for multiple rounds of thunderstorms today. Some storms
  are possible by early this afternoon, but the focus is during the
  2 to 10 PM timeframe from west to east, when the greatest
  potential for severe weather, including gusty winds, frequent
  lightning, and torrential rain are anticipated.

* Localized urban, street and poor drainage flooding.

Another quite active day is in store for Southern New England today.
Heat and humidity continues, although more in the way of cloud cover
than yesterday. However, the potential exists for at least one
round, if not multiple rounds of thunderstorms, this afternoon into
tonight. These have the potential to become strong to severe and
will also pose a risk for torrential rain.

Synoptically, there are at least a couple of mid-level
shortwave disturbances on water vapor imagery that will drive
our weather for today. The first is more subtle and located over
eastern PA/Poconos vicinity, supporting a cluster of t-storms
over the waters south of Long Island. This feature looks to
bring increasing, if isolated/widely scattered,
showers/thunderstorms to our southern waters and as far north as
the South Coast by early to mid morning. But the far more
prominent one is over eastern IL, embedded in a belt of
seasonably strong westerly flow aloft. This feature has
maintained a mature mesoscale convective system located over
northern IN/lower MI and NW OH early this morning.

Model guidance unfortunately continues to exhibit poor run to run
consistency, which affects the timing and spatial details of
when strong to severe storms are anticipated. Given the very
warm, humid and conditionally unstable air mass in place, and
the strong flow aloft, we couldn't say no to a thunderstorm
really at any time, and PoPs reflect this by carrying at least
slight chance mention for most of the day. It may not be raining
the whole time, however.

Regarding the timing and evolution expectations...seems to be
three main periods for t-storms as gleaned in the model guidance
and observations: (1) early to mid morning in more isolated
coverage along the south coast and adjacent waters. (2) Less
agreed upon, but a round of t-storms that may be slower moving
near or along the Mass Pike by early to mid afternoon, indicated
by some forecast solutions (NSSL WRF, NAM, NAM-3km and the
ARW). Some of these may become strong but the main risk with
these is from locally torrential rain. The last is (3) with the
shortwave disturbance aloft responsible for the Great Lakes MCS,
with an approximate best estimate timing of this line of strong
to severe thunderstorms being around 2 PM to 10 PM from W to E.
PoPs were raised into the high Likely range to stress this
round of thunderstorms, since there's more agreement on its
development than the other two mentioned periods. And it's this
latter one that poses the greatest potential for strong to
severe weather, including gusty winds capable of at least
localized tree and powerline damage, frequent lightning and
torrential rain. We can't rule out a brief tornado as well, but
low-level wind shear conditions favorable for tornadoes aren't
as prominent as they were on Thursday. Again, if you have plans
outdoors, keep a close eye to the weather today and have
multiple ways to receive statements and warnings.

Headlines...the main change regarding headlines was the
issuance of a Flood Watch for late this morning into tonight.
Without question, there is still uncertainty on if/where early
afternoon t-storms develop. The risk for flash flooding would be
reduced if we only see the later-afternoon round of
thunderstorms. If we do see several thunderstorms today, as
described above, then the flash flood risk increases wherever
any early afternoon storms develop, with the best chance in the
urban corridor of I-90/Mass Pike. We're cognizant of the number
of flood watches we've had recently and we don't want to overuse
them; we've had to issue plenty in recent days. However
antecedent conditions and rather low flash flood guidance
continue and support a flood threat, and certainly the potential
exists for multiple rounds of thunderstorms. HREF shows rather
solid neighborhood probabilities of over 3 inches of rain in
portions of central MA, northern RI and into northern CT. In
light of the uncertainty, to bring awareness to the flooding
potential and in coordination with WPC's excessive rain desk and
outlooks, we felt it added to the messaging to hoist the Flood
Watch with this package.

It will be quite humid today with dewpoints in the lower to mid
70s, pumped in by a continued stream of southerly flow. We're
also starting today off warm, in the 70s! But more in the way of
clouds and rain today, and that may keep temperatures somewhat
lower. We opted to continue the Heat Advisory going, even though
some areas in the Advisory may fall short of criteria. Continue
to practice appropriate heat-related precautions.

&&

.SHORT TERM /8 PM THIS EVENING THROUGH 6 AM SUNDAY/...

415 AM Update:

The line of thunderstorms moves offshore before midnight this
evening, with winds becoming northerly and advecting in a drier
air mass. It may still feel somewhat humid, but we should see
dewpoints fall into the upper 50s to mid 60s, about 10-15
degrees lower than during the daytime. Northerly breezes will
also trap moisture and there's some indication for overnight
stratus across a large portion of SNE. However will be clearing
from NW to SE by daybreak. Lows tonight range from the upper
50s to mid 60s closely following dewpoint temperatures.

&&

.LONG TERM /SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...

Highlights

* A cooler and much more comfortable airmass moves in Sun. This
  remains in place for much of the upcoming week.

* Spotty showers on Mon and Tue. Better shot for more widespread
  showers/t-storms comes late in the week.

Sunday through Tuesday...

Stuck under cyclonic flow through this timeframe. A subtle shortwave
swings through New England on Sun. Another shortwave lifts through
by early Mon. After this shortwave lifts through we are stuck under
a broad trough through Tue. A weak high nudges in on Sun. Late on
Sun into Mon a sfc trough extends into the south coast from an area
of low pressure off the Carolinas coast. A cold front slides through
later on Mon into early Tue. High pressure starts nudging in a bit
more late on Tue.

Will be significantly cooler and less humid Sun and as we head into
the work week. Winds generally remaining out of the NNW to NW at 925
hPa. This keeps roughly 15-20 degree C temps at that same level
through this period. The end result will be high temps topping out
in the mid 70s to the mid 80s. Dew points will be lowering into the
50s for most through much of this period. The only exception is
across the immediate south coast and perhaps portions of the eastern
coastline where low/mid 60 dew points linger into late Mon.

Despite the shortwave lifting through on Sun am thinking that we
should remain dry. Will have a mid level ridge building across the
eastern Great Lakes/Upstate NY and with drier WNW/NW flow along with
lowering PWATs it could be difficult to get any shower activity.

Will have better chances of spotty to perhaps scattered shower
activity during the Mon/Tue timeframe. Did bump up precip chances
late Sun into early Mon. Appears that we will have a weak
trough/boundary in place across the south coast. This in combination
with an upper trough digging in from the Great Lakes could generate
isolated shower activity, especially given the low/mid 60 degree dew
points still in place. May be lacking the deeper moisture though
with PWATs around 1 inch. Better chances for showers later on Mon
especially as a cold front slides into/through the region. Will also
see 500 hPa temps cool to roughly -15 to -20 degrees C, which is
quite anomalous for this time of year. Both the NAEFS and EPS
guidance SATA tables show this being roughly 2-3 STD below model
climo, which continues into Tue. This in combination with diurnal
heating should lead to isolated/scattered showers on Mon, with the
best shots across the interior. Similar set up on Tue, but think
the focus will be more along mesoscale boundaries, such as the sea
breeze. Despite these chances think overall it will be dry for most
and a washout is most definitely not anticipated.

Wednesday and Thursday...

Broad cyclonic flow/trough lifts offshore on Wed and a ridge axis
builds into the central/eastern Great Lakes. The ridge builds
overhead on Thu and begins to shift to our NE by late in the day,
while another trough digs into the Ontario/Great Lakes region. High
pressure builds overhead on Wed and moves offshore Wed into Thu. A
frontal system begins sliding into the eastern Great Lakes on Thu.

Dry and quiet weather expected through the vast majority of this
period. Did dial back the precip chances on Thu given the latest
suite of guidance has us dry, which was not captured well by the
NBM. Suspect we will need to continue to dial back those precip
chances on Thu. Did lower temps Tue night into Wed toward the 20th
percentile of guidance as am anticipating strong radiational
cooling. Will feel much cooler with lows generally in the 50s, but
there will be a few spots across NW MA that are in the upper 40s!
High temps on Wed will generally be in the 70s.

Should start to see the temps/dew points climbing on Thu as we get
into more southerly flow ahead of our next system. Anticipate that
925 hPa temps will be in the 15-20 degree range, so highs should
solidly be in the mid 70s to mid 80s. Dew points will begin climbing
into the upper 50s to lower 60s.

Late Thursday through Friday Night...

Still seeing significant timing and intensity differences with the
trough swinging through late in the week. This feature will bring us
our next opportunity for more widespread showers and perhaps some t-
storms as a frontal system moves through.

Given the spread amongst guidance have just stuck with the NBM at
this point. Quite difficult to pin point the specifics with regards
to severe weather this far out. We do have increasing deep layer
shear and forcing, but the mitigating factor may be the instability
that we realize. At this moment ensembles prog a roughly 30-50
percent chance of CAPE AOA 500 J/kg and low probs of CAPE AOA 1000
J/kg. Will just have to see how things evolve as the week
progresses, but given these probs have just an isolated mention of
thunderstorms at this point.

&&

.AVIATION /14Z SATURDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
Forecast Confidence Levels:

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

1430z update...low confidence thunderstorm forecast today.
Current thinking is that showers from KPOU to KBDL may grow into
thunderstorms over the next few hours, but not intensify into
strong or severe storms. Greater threat is from 21z-03z from NW
to SE today/early this evening. Earlier discussion below.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Today...Moderate confidence overall, lower on thunderstorm
timing and wind directions/changes.

**Active aviation period due to round(s) of thunderstorms,
 which could be strong to severe.**

VFR dominates outside of thunderstorm activity. The only
exception is across the Cape/Islands where IFR/LIFR stratus/fog
lingers through roughly 14-15Z. Think this activity should lift
around this timeframe.

As for the TSRA risk confidence in timing is low, but seems the
period before 14-16Z is a relative minimum in SHRA/TS chances.
Risk for TS increases after 16z, potentially starting along the
I-90 corridor (mainly BAF- ORH-BED-BOS, perhaps into PVD/BDL)
in ISO/SCT covg. Period of greatest TS risk at greater coverage
is with a line of strong/severe TSRA, which moves in from WNW to
SE in the period 19z to 00z (and continuing into the evening
for the Cape airports). Tried to indicate when the period of
strongest TS would be with +SHRA VCTS, see specific tafs.
Locally IFR/LIFR visby from heavy rain, strong/gusty winds and
frequent lightning are possible.

Wind directions today are tricky. Best chance of continued SW
winds most of the day is mainly south of the Mass Pike. North of
the Mass Pike, initial WSW/SW winds 5-10 kt may flip to N or NE
later in the day. BOS's wind directions are most challenging and
while they may begin SW around 10 kt, expect winds to back to
SE-E by late morning due to a weak low to early afternoon then
become NE late- day.

Tonight: Moderate confidence.

Ongoing line of strong/severe TS moves offshore, with locally
reduced categories for ACK and the Cape airports 00-03z with TS
ending after then. While conditions improve inland for remaining
terminals, categories likely to remain low with MVFR to locally
LIFR stratus on N winds. N winds increase to 10-15 kt early,
then diminish and become NW late tonight.

Sunday: High confidence.

IFR/MVFR stratus improves early Sun to VFR. NW to W winds 5-10
kt.

KBOS TAF...Moderate confidence in TAF. VFR with SW winds thru
15-17Z. Winds become SE after due to a weak low, along with an
increasing risk for VCTS/strong TSRA near the terminal. Best
estimate on TSRA timing is after 19z until 00z. Winds likely to
shift from SE to E to NE/N later in the afternoon. Period of IFR
stratus this evening with gradual improvement in ceilings late.

KBDL TAF...Moderate confidence in TAF. VFR thru 15-17Z with S
winds. VCTS/strong TSRA with best estimated timing ~19-00z.

Outlook /Sunday through Wednesday/...

Sunday Night: VFR.

Monday through Tuesday: VFR. Slight chance SHRA.

Tuesday Night through Wednesday: VFR.

&&

.MARINE...
Forecaster Confidence Levels:

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

Today...Moderate confidence.

A warm front lifts through the waters this AM and could bring
isolated to scattered showers/storms. More widespread showers and
thunderstorms cross the waters this afternoon/evening as a cold
front moves through. Not out of the question some of the afternoon
storms are strong to severe bringing strong wind gusts. Did opt to
hoist a SCA across the outer southern waters as seas build to 5 ft.
Its marginal, but given the time of year and heat there will likely
be boaters out. Winds out of the SW at 10-15 kts with some 20-25 kt
gusts possible across the southern waters late. The eastern waters
will see winds rapidly flipping to the E/NE as the cold front
slides through.

Tonight through Sunday...High confidence.

Cold front crosses the rest of the waters this evening, which will
shift winds to the N/NW at 15-20 kts and gusts around 20 kts. Should
see the shower and thunderstorm activity downtick quickly in wake of
the front. High pressure nudges in on Sunday. Winds shift to the
N/NE and eventually the E late on Sunday, but speeds remain less
than 10 kts. Seas 2-4 ft. The far outer waters may see those 5 ft
seas linger late tonight.

Outlook /Sunday through Wednesday/...

Sunday Night: Winds less than 25 kt.

Monday through Tuesday Night: Winds less than 25 kt. Slight
chance of rain showers.

Wednesday: Winds less than 25 kt.

&&

.BOX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CT...Heat Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for CTZ002>004.
     Flood Watch through this evening for CTZ002>004.
MA...Heat Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for MAZ005-010>021.
     Flood Watch through this evening for MAZ002>018-020-021-026.
RI...Heat Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for RIZ001>007.
     Flood Watch through this evening for RIZ001>005-007.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 8 AM EDT Sunday for ANZ255-256.

&&

SYNOPSIS...Loconto/BL
NEAR TERM...Loconto/Nocera/BL
SHORT TERM...Loconto
LONG TERM...BL
AVIATION...Loconto/Nocera/BL
MARINE...Loconto/BL
Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 29, 3:09 AM EST, 9 hours 41 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
409 AM EDT Sat Jul 29 2023

MAZ002>004-006>009-026-300815-
Western Franklin MA-Eastern Franklin MA-Northern Worcester MA-
Western Essex MA-Eastern Essex MA-Western Hampshire MA-
Western Hampden MA-Northern Middlesex MA-
409 AM EDT Sat Jul 29 2023

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM EDT THIS MORNING THROUGH THIS
EVENING...

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

.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.

   Flood Watch.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

CTZ002>004-MAZ005-010>018-020-021-RIZ001>005-007-300815-
Hartford CT-Tolland CT-Windham CT-Central Middlesex 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-
Southern Bristol MA-Southern Plymouth MA-Northwest Providence RI-
Southeast Providence RI-Western Kent RI-Eastern Kent RI-Bristol RI-
Newport RI-
409 AM EDT Sat Jul 29 2023

...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM EDT THIS MORNING THROUGH THIS
EVENING...

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

   Heat Advisory.
   Flood Watch.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

MAZ019-RIZ006-300815-
Eastern Plymouth MA-Washington RI-
409 AM EDT Sat Jul 29 2023

...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeastern Massachusetts
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.

   Heat Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

MAZ022>024-RIZ008-300815-
Barnstable MA-Dukes MA-Nantucket MA-Block Island RI-
409 AM EDT Sat Jul 29 2023

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeastern Massachusetts
and southern Rhode Island.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

ANZ230>237-250-251-254>256-300815-
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-
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-
409 AM EDT Sat Jul 29 2023

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

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.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

Special weather statement, Jul 29, 12:30 PM EST, 20 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
130 PM EDT Sat Jul 29 2023

MAZ005-007-013>016-291830-
Eastern Essex MA-Suffolk MA-Western Norfolk MA-
Central Middlesex County MA-Eastern Norfolk MA-
Southeast Middlesex MA-
130 PM EDT Sat Jul 29 2023

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS NEAR BOSTON...

 At 129 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm
over Wellesley, moving northeast at 10 mph.

HAZARD...Minor flooding and lightening

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor nuisance flooding of typically flood prone areas.

Locations impacted include...
Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Lynn, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, Malden,
Brookline, Medford, Revere, Arlington, Everett, Chelsea, Watertown,
Needham, Wellesley, Milton, Melrose and Saugus.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Get indoors when you hear thunder. Do not resume outdoor activities
until at least 30 minutes after the storm has passed.

Do not drive through flooded roads or underpasses. Avoid low lying
areas near small streams.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. For your
safety, go indoors or to your vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 4245 7096 4241 7099 4238 7097 4238 7100
      4233 7095 4232 7096 4238 7105 4236 7105
      4233 7101 4233 7104 4230 7105 4230 7099
      4228 7102 4224 7123 4233 7132 4249 7098
TIME...MOT...LOC 1729Z 226DEG 9KT 4232 7125

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH

KP
Special weather statement, Jul 29, 12:43 PM EST, 7 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
143 PM EDT Sat Jul 29 2023

CTZ002-003-291845-
Hartford CT-Tolland CT-
143 PM EDT Sat Jul 29 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern Tolland
and central Hartford Counties through 245 PM EDT...

At 143 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Avon, or over West Hartford, moving east at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Strong winds could cause minor damage such as downed
         branches. Little to no impact from hail is expected.

Locations impacted include...
Hartford, New Britain, West Hartford, Manchester, East Hartford,
Glastonbury, Newington, Vernon, Windsor, Wethersfield, Mansfield,
South Windsor, Farmington, Simsbury, Bloomfield, Rocky Hill, Avon,
Ellington, Tolland and Coventry.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Get indoors when you hear thunder. Do not resume outdoor activities
until at least 30 minutes after the storm has passed.

Do not drive through flooded roads or underpasses. Avoid low lying
areas near small streams.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. For your
safety, go indoors or to your vehicle.

This storm may intensify and become severe. Stay tuned to your local
media for updates and possible warnings.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for
northern Connecticut.

&&

LAT...LON 4189 7229 4166 7230 4164 7233 4162 7233
      4164 7250 4165 7251 4164 7255 4172 7290
      4185 7290
TIME...MOT...LOC 1743Z 271DEG 17KT 4177 7281

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

KP

The radar

The Boston radar (KBOX), 42 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 17:48 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

9 flash flood, 9 thunderstorm wind, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Flash Flood, Middlesex

When
July 29, 12:50 PM EST to 1:50 PM EST
Where
Middlesex County, 1.84 mi NE of Chestnut Hill to 1.85 mi NE of Chestnut Hill
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
42.338, -71.143

In Brighton, Beacon St at Warwick Rd was flooded with DPW assistance.

Flash Flood, Norfolk

When
July 29, 1:02 PM EST to 2:02 PM EST
Where
Norfolk County, 1.14 mi SSW of Wellesley to 1.15 mi SSW of Wellesley
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
42.304, -71.285

In Wellesley, the 300 block of Washington St was completely flooded.

Flash Flood, Norfolk

When
July 29, 1:23 PM EST to 2:23 PM EST
Where
Norfolk County, 0.49 mi NW of Quincy to 0.46 mi NW of Quincy
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
42.275, -71.037

In Quincy, DPW assistance was requested for flooding on Enterprise Dr.

Thunderstorm Wind, Plymouth

When
July 29, 1:35 PM EST
Where
Plymouth County, 1.02 mi W of Scituate Center
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$500
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
42.200, -70.770

In Scituate, large branches were down on Rt. 3A in front of the DPW.

Thunderstorm Wind, Plymouth

When
July 29, 1:35 PM EST
Where
Plymouth County, 1.23 mi NW of North Scituate
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
42.230, -70.800

In Cohasset, a large tree limb and wires were down on Beechwood St.

Flash Flood, Suffolk

When
July 29, 4:16 PM EST to 5:16 PM EST
Where
Suffolk County, 1.72 mi N of Forest Hills
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
42.325, -71.115

In Brookline, there was water coming up through manhole covers.

Flash Flood, Suffolk

When
July 29, 4:32 PM EST to 5:32 PM EST
Where
Suffolk County, 0.44 mi S of Forest Hills to 0.45 mi S of Forest Hills
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
42.294, -71.120

In Jamaica Plain there was significant road flooding with minor road damage on the 1500 block of Washington St.

Flash Flood, Suffolk

When
July 29, 4:37 PM EST to 5:37 PM EST
Where
Suffolk County, 1.26 mi WNW of Back Bay Annex to 1.14 mi WNW of Back Bay Annex
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
42.339, -71.091

In Boston, there were many reports of flooding including 2 cars stuck on the VFW Parkway rotary, several basements flooded on Dame St, 3 cars stuck on Albany St and Melnia Cass Blvd.

Flash Flood, Worcester

When
July 29, 5:50 PM EST to 6:50 PM EST
Where
Worcester County, 0.72 mi WNW of Leominster to 0.65 mi WNW of Leominster
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
42.534, -71.763

In Leominster, Washington Squre was flooded and impassable.

Flash Flood, Suffolk

When
July 29, 6:00 PM EST to 7:00 PM EST
Where
Suffolk County, 0.39 mi SE of Franklin Park to 0.43 mi SE of Franklin Park
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
42.427, -71.014

In Revere, a car was stuck in street flooding on Squire Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind, Norfolk

When
July 29, 7:10 PM EST
Where
Norfolk County, Franklin
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$500
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
42.080, -71.400

In Franklin, on the 300 Block of Union St, a 20-person tent was lofted into the air and wrapped around some power lines.

Tornado, Norfolk

When
July 29, 7:17 PM EST to 7:18 PM EST
Where
Norfolk County, 1.2 mi SSE of East Foxboro to 1.24 mi SSE of East Foxboro
Rating
EF0
Path length
0.16 mi
Path width
25 yd
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
42.054, -71.192

Tornado confirmed to have touched down in a small neighborhood in|Foxboro near the Mansfield town line very close to the town of Easton. |Several locations on a west to east path in the neighborhood had several|large trees up to 2 feet in diameter snapped at the trunk.|Observed tree damage had a convergent pattern consistent with|violently rotating winds. No major damage to homes was observed,|but one chimney appeared to have been knocked over by a fallen|tree. Path width was estimated to be around 25 yards. Path length|of the surveyed damage points was just shy of 300 yards. Per|radar data, a velocity couplet was over the surveyed neighborhood|for only a minute or two before continuing east over conservation|land. It is possible that the tornado was on the ground for|longer, but surveyors were unable to access conservation land|east of the last surveyed damage point. Additional significant |tree damage was found east of aforementioned conservation land in Easton, |but patterns were more consistent with west to east straight line winds. |This is also consistent with archived KBOX radar which displayed strong|outbound (west to east) velocities over this area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Plymouth

When
July 29, 7:29 PM EST
Where
Plymouth County, 0.86 mi SE of Campello
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
42.060, -71.010

In Brockton, wires and tree branches were downed on Coral St.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bristol

When
July 29, 7:30 PM EST
Where
Bristol County, 0.86 mi NE of North Easton
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
42.080, -71.090

In Easton, trees were down on Poquanticut Ave with one on a house. A tree and wires were down on Heath Rd at Prospect St. A tree was down on wires on School St.

Thunderstorm Wind, Plymouth

When
July 29, 7:35 PM EST
Where
Plymouth County, 0.69 mi S of Montello
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
42.090, -71.020

In Brockton, a tree was down on the Rt 24 northbound exit 33 onramp. Wires were down on West Chestnut St.

Thunderstorm Wind, Plymouth

When
July 29, 7:45 PM EST
Where
Plymouth County, 0.86 mi NE of Hanover
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
42.130, -70.810

In Norwell, a tree was down on Hillcrest Cr at Tiffany Rd. A tree was down on Heritage Ln and River St. A tree was down on Common St at River St.

Thunderstorm Wind, Plymouth

When
July 29, 7:45 PM EST
Where
Plymouth County, Matfield
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
42.030, -71.000

In West Bridgewater, trees and wires were down on Matfield St. A tree was down on Brewster Blvd.

Flash Flood, Essex

When
July 29, 7:45 PM EST to 8:45 PM EST
Where
Essex County, 0.94 mi WSW of Lynn to 0.93 mi WSW of Lynn
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
42.466, -70.968

In Lynn, several streets flooded including Marion St, Boston at Bridge St, and Commercial St at Lynnway.

Thunderstorm Wind, Plymouth

When
July 29, 7:55 PM EST
Where
Plymouth County, 0.86 mi SE of West Duxbury
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$500
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
42.040, -70.760

In Duxbury, a tree was down on Birch St one half mile from Rt 53.

What these are

Flash Flood
Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Thunderstorm Wind
Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Tornado
A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.

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

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Massachusetts in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Massachusetts, 2023Warnings in Massachusetts, July 2023

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: 1118172, 1118173, 1118174, 1115458, 1115463, 1118175, 1118176, 1118177, 1118178, 1118171, 1115468, 1115527, 1115471, 1115473, 1115474, 1115481, 1115482, 1118179, 1115483.