High winds swept through Massachusetts on Thursday, knocking out power to thousands of homes and businesses.
As of midday, there were more than 16,000 outages across the Bay State, according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency’s interactive tracker.
The National Weather Service has issued alerts to Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Hampshire, Hampden, Worcester, Norfolk, and Suffolk counties. A wind warning has been issued for portions of , Bristol, Plymouth, Dukes, Nantucket and Berks counties until 10 p.m.
Wind gusts of 45-55 mph (and up to 60 mph in some areas of the state) could blow away unsafe objects such as holiday decorations, knock down tree branches and cause power outages.
The National Weather Service warned that such strong winds could make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
Emergency officials in many communities are responding to downed trees and branches.
“Our crews are continuing to work as quickly and safely as possible to clear and repair tree damage caused by strong winds in Weston and Watertown,” Eversource said in a statement. “Strong winds continue across the state today. , please remember to stay away from any downed power lines.”
A Boston 25 News photographer spotted a tree downed just feet from a home in Milford.
Strong winds may also bring lake effect snow from Lake Ontario into western and central Massachusetts this afternoon and evening.
For more information about the weather forecast, visit the Boston 25 Weather page.
This is a development story. Please check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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