Strong Winds Tonight Could Cause Power Outages

An intensifying storm system passing over western New England tonight could bring strong and possibly damaging winds to Melrose, resulting in downed tree limbs and power outages, the National Weather Service (NWS) warned this morning.

The NWS has issued a wind advisory in effect from 9 p.m. tonight through 3 a.m. tomorrow morning, stating that the strong southerly winds will have the strongest gusts along the Rhode Island coast, Cape Cod and the islands, although Melrose and the rest of southeast Middlesex County is included in the advisory area.

A wind advisory is issued when sustained winds are forecast to be 31-39 miles per hour, or gusts ranging between 46-57 miles per hour, the NWS advisory said.

"Winds this strong are capable of downing small tree limbs and branches, possible causing isolated power outages," the advisory said. "Driving can also be difficult, epsecially for high profile vehicles."

The forecast also calls for showers and possibly a thunderstorm overnight tonight, patchy fog after 10 p.m. and a low around 45.

Important Melrose phone numbers in case of power outages or emergencies:

•  (normal working hours & weather emergencies): 781-665-0142 
• (Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.): 781-979-4170
• Police/Fire Emergencies: 911
• Non-Emergency : 781-665-1212
• Non-Emergency : 781-665-1313
• National Grid power outages: (800) 465-1212
• National Grid gas emergencies: (800) 233-5325
• Comcast: (800) 266-2278
• Verizon: (800) 837-4966 (VERIZON)