Worst of Sandy today between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., wind gusts above 50 mph.
It is a windy start to our Monday morning, and that will continue to strengthen as the day goes on. The steady batches of rain will be delayed for western Massachusetts a little bit. It is not expected to begin raining persistently until closer to noontime, but as soon as it does start raining, it will barely let up for the remainder of the day.
The "peak" of the storm for western Massachusetts...heaviest rain and strongest wind...is expected between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. today.
In total, expect a general 2 - 3 inches in the Springfield area through Tuesday, with isolated higher amounts possible, especially towards the Berkshires. The steadiest rain is expected early this evening.
Sustained winds will reach 30-35 mph on Monday, with gusts up to 50 mph possible in the Springfield area...60 mph in the hilltowns. The winds should ease up a little bit for the remainder of the storm, eventually dropping to a breezy 15-25 mph by the end of the day Tuesday.
Scattered power outages are possible, although it should not be quite as widespread across western Massachusetts as last year's October Nor'easter. Minor flooding is likely this week in the typically-prone places; low-lying areas, urban areas, underpasses and near creeks and streams. Washed out roadways are also a possibility over hilly terrain.
Much of the damage by last year's Tropical Storm Irene was caused by flooding, while the main concern for this storm will be focused on wind damage.
Hurricane Sandy is still expected to make landfall near Atlantic City, NJ late Monday night. It will then move westward through the Philadelphia area before turning northward and stalling out over central Pennsylvania through Tuesday and Wednesday. The persistent rain eventually comes to an end on Wednesday, although scattered showers will stick around as this storm lingers/dissipates through Friday.
Today: Nor'easter conditions, wind and rain, strongest between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., high 58.
Tonight: Rainy and windy, gusts ease up a little, low 54.
Tuesday: Nor'easter conditions, breezy and rainy, winds continue dying down, high 60.
Wednesday: Cloudy, scattered showers, a little breezy, high 59.