WESTFORD CENTER — A strong nor’easter is expected to bring periods of rain and gusty winds to Westford beginning Friday night and continuing through the weekend, prompting event cancellations and warnings about using town fields and parks.
The storm is expected to have its greatest impacts along the Massachusetts coast, where forecasters are warning of coastal flooding, high surf and strong winds. Inland communities such as Westford are expected to see a prolonged period of windy and wet weather.
In anticipation of the storm, several events scheduled in Westford this weekend were canceled or postponed because of the expected weather.
The Westford Department of Public Works also advised residents not to use town fields and parks during the storm. The wet conditions and strong winds could make those areas unsafe and potentially cause damage to fields and other facilities.
For Westford, the National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory from Friday morning through early Sunday morning. Friday is expected to remain mostly cloudy and breezy, with temperatures reaching the upper 60s and northeast winds increasing through the afternoon.
Rain is expected to become more likely Friday night, with wind gusts potentially reaching 45 mph in Westford. The chance of rain is expected to increase Saturday, with forecasters calling for a high near 61 degrees and wind gusts up to about 39 mph.
Rain is expected to continue Saturday night, with Sunday also expected to remain rainy and breezy. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high near 60 degrees Sunday, with northeast wind gusts reaching around 29 mph. Showers could linger into Monday.
While Westford is far enough inland to avoid the storm’s most significant coastal flooding impacts, residents could still see difficult driving conditions, reduced visibility and scattered tree damage as the storm moves through.
The National Weather Service has warned that power outages could also be a concern, particularly where strong winds interact with trees that are still fully leafed.
Residents are advised to monitor updated forecasts and weather alerts throughout the weekend and to avoid town fields and parks while conditions remain wet and windy.
The storm is expected to gradually weaken after the weekend, although showers could continue into Monday before conditions begin to improve Tuesday.
