Maybe it’s Old Man Winter crying and howling because Bill Belichick is leaving.
The precipitation just won’t quit this week, as the next storm is set to blast the region from Friday night into Saturday. The potent system will be the third storm to hit the Bay State within a week.
The intense storm with heavy rain is expected to spark more river flooding. Forecasters are also predicting strong winds and coastal flooding.
“It looks like a fairly powerful storm,” Andy Nash, meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Boston office, told the Herald on Thursday.
“The intensity should be pretty similar to what we had a couple days ago,” Nash added. “They’re not identical (storms), but they’re both on the intense side.”
The heaviest rain and strongest winds should be early Saturday between 3 and 9 a.m.
Meteorologists are predicting between 1 to 2 inches of rain, which would be less than the midweek rain storm when nearly 5 inches of rain fell in spots.
“The rivers are already running way higher because of the previous storm,” Nash said. “We could see similar flooding issues that we saw during the last few days.”
The National Weather Service has extended a “Flood Watch” through Saturday evening for the region. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action if flooding develops.
“If you’re out and about, never drive into water,” Nash said. “You don’t know how deep it is.
“Turn around, don’t drown,” he added.
There’s also a “Coastal Flood Watch” in effect for Saturday. Minor coastal flooding could occur along Morrissey Boulevard in Boston, along the North Shore from Gloucester to Newburyport, and along the Cape and Islands.
Wave action will likely cause some washover onto coastal roads around the time of high tide.
A “High Wind Watch” will also be in effect. Gusts up to 60 mph will be possible. Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines.
“Some power outages could happen,” Nash said. “People should be prepared in case they lose power.”
After temps spike into the 50s on Saturday during the storm, colder air will be on the way. Low temps on Saturday night will be in the 20s to lower 30s. High temps on Sunday should be in the mid to upper 30s. Windy conditions are expected to stick around through Sunday.