Boston Won't Be Beat By Sandy, Just Battered

By Alex Sosnowski, Expert Senior Meteorologist

October 26, 2012; 6:04 PM

The latest information has Sandy's track converging between New York City and the Delmarva Monday into Tuesday, but Boston and southern New England will be battered by strong winds, heavy rain and coastal flooding.
Since Sandy is a large storm in terms of surface area, and will get larger as it moves northward, people should not just focus on the center for greatest impact and damage.
The storm is different than a typical nor'easter in that it will be very strong, very large and rolling inland from the east, like a hurricane. It will retain some features of a hurricane.
Gusts of 50 to 60 mph are forecast over much of southern New England with the greatest frequency likely along the South Coast and over the hilltops.

Rainfall of 2 to 4 inches is forecast over portions of southern Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island with lesser amounts farther north over New England.

A storm surge of 4 to 8 feet is likely along eastern Massachusetts, but locally higher storm surge is possible in New England and likely toward the New York City area. Remember astronomical tides will be the greatest Monday, due to the full moon.
Even though the worst effects are likely to be centered south and west of Boston, downed trees and power lines, flash and urban flooding, coastal flooding, beach erosion and travel delays are to be expected.