BOSTON — Henri is now a tropical depression as the storm continues to weaken across New England Sunday evening.
The wind continues to weaken, but the message stays the same for Monday: rain will be the biggest concern as it moves back east, according to the Boston 25 Weather Team.
Shortly before 8 p.m. Sunday, the National Hurricane Center said Henri is still expected to produce heavy rainfall and flooding across parts of southern New England and northern mid-Atlantic states through Monday.
Tropical Depression #Henri Advisory 28A: Henri Weakening But Still Expected to Produce Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Across Portions of Southern New England and The Northern Mid-Atlantic States Through Monday. https://t.co/VqHn0u1vgc
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 22, 2021
Because the storm weakened, the National Hurricane Center canceled tropical storm warnings and there are no coastal watches or warnings remaining.
Several communities have reported damage as a result of the storm.
In Auburn Sunday night, powerlines on Prospect Street were holding up tree branches. Police blocked off the street as a precaution.
Breaking storm damage: Powerlines on Prospect St in Auburn are currently holding up these tree branches. Once weight becomes too much, people on the street will likely lose the power. Police have the street blocked off for now. No idea how long this will take. #Henri#Boston25 pic.twitter.com/LdwChPTYDP
— Wale Aliyu (@WaleAliyu) August 22, 2021
The storm for the most part spared Massachusetts’ South Coast but some people are dealing with issues.
Over in Dartmouth, Lili Chamberlain was home at the time when she felt the house shake. That shaking was the front yard tree coming through Lilli’s roof -- into her daughter’s bedroom the day after her daughter went off to college.
“She would have probably been sleeping it was about 10:20 in the morning so she probably would have been sleeping, said Chamberlain, adding that her daughter was upset after learning about the damage.
More Dartmouth damage. pic.twitter.com/dUDU7uKtN6
— Robert Goulston (@rgoulston) August 22, 2021
Chamberlain and her neighbors thought the storm was going to be a bigger problem for their area and they are happy they were wrong.
“I was expecting much bigger of a storm for sure. I thought we were going to get more rain, more wind, more everything. I’m happy we didn’t, it was just kind of a freak thing,” said Chamberlain.
The power that was knocked out by the tree was restored Sunday night. Chamberlain’s power was still being restored on Sunday evening.
Over in Palmer, a tree fell through a windshield of an occupied vehicle at the intersection of Longview and Buckland streets. In Auburn, a large tree fell onto a home on Prospect street.
And several trees have come down throughout Dudley.
In Rhode Island, more than 75,000 residents were without power on Sunday afternoon, according to National Grid.
Flooded roads & power outages the major issues here in #Westerly RI.
— Scott McDonnell (@ScottMcDonnell_) August 22, 2021
75K + without power in RI according to @nationalgridus
Roads leading to Misquamicut State Beach blocked off right now.@boston25 pic.twitter.com/2JEYyqvJjU
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency said thousands of utility customers were in the dark on Sunday as Henri moved through the area.
But most of that power was restored Sunday. As of 10:32 p.m., MEMA was reporting 1,559 customers without power.
The center of the storm made landfall in Westerly, Rhode Island on Sunday afternoon. The National Hurricane Center said data from Hurricane Hunter aircraft showed the center moved into Westerly around 12:15 p.m. with winds of 60 mph.
In addition, a weather station in Point Judith, Rhode Island, measured a sustained wind of 57 mph and had a gust of 70 mph.
The center of Henri also passed over Block Island at 11 a.m.
Heavy flooding near Misquamicut Beach where #Henri hit not long ago. Watch @boston25 for latest. pic.twitter.com/lMvC5wqCuS
— Jason Solowski (@JasonSolowski) August 22, 2021
Henri was downgraded from a Category 1 hurricane to a tropical storm Sunday morning as it made its way across portions of southern New England.
Henri weakened slightly to a tropical storm early Sunday but still packed wind gusts of up to 75 mph in some areas as it was slated to pummel a long stretch of northeastern coastline, where millions on New York’s Long Island and in southern New England braced for the possibility of flooding, toppled trees and extended power outages.
Experts warned that the storm’s biggest threat likely wouldn’t come from the wind but from storm surge and inland flooding, caused by what was expected to be heavy and sustained rains.
In preparation for the storm, officials in Providence, Rhode Island, and New Bedford, Massachusetts, closed giant hurricane barriers that were built in the 1960s, after devastating storms in 1938 and 1954.
Those have since been reopened.
Massachusetts’ Steamship Authority canceled ferry service between the mainland and the popular vacation islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket until at least noon Sunday after the U.S. Coast Guard shut down ports on Cape Cod and New Bedford. Tourists waiting in their cars, hoping for a last-minute ferry off the islands, were stranded until the worst of Henri passes.
PREVIOUS: Steamship Authority cancels ferry service through noon due to Henri
The first thunderstorms arrived late Saturday, and flash flooding began in some areas overnight. Bands of heavy rain overwhelmed storm drains and drivers plowed through foot-deep water in a few spots in New York City, and Newark, and Hoboken, New Jersey.
Tropical storm-intensity winds struck the coast Sunday morning. Rising tide threatened to produce dangerous storm surge. People in the projected path spent Saturday scrambling to stock up on groceries and gasoline. Those close to the coast boarded up windows and, in some cases, evacuated.
Related Links:
Follow our Boston 25 Meteorologists on Twitter for updates:
Kevin Lemanowicz | Shiri Spear | Jason Brewer | Vicki Graf
Live Updates for Sunday, August 22
10:32 p.m.: The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency was reporting 1,559 customers without power.
9 p.m.: National Grid says it has restored power to over 72,700 customers in the New England region, and will continue restoration work as conditions are deemed safe. Nearly 4,000 field personnel are responding to power outages in the New England region.
8 p.m.: Henri is now a tropical depression. The wind continues to weaken, but the message stays the same for Monday: rain will be the biggest concern as it moves back east, according to the Boston 25 Weather Team.
Henri is now a tropical depression. The wind continues to weaken, but the message stays the same for tomorrow -- rain will be the biggest concern as it moves back east. pic.twitter.com/Pf4C3NkOKM
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) August 22, 2021
5 p.m.: In the latest position and track of Tropical Storm (barely) Henri, remnants move through tomorrow, according to the Boston 25 Weather Team. Also, Tropical Storm Warnings have expired for our area with the wind threat going down. We will have to deal with more rain Monday as the storm moves back east, and there could be some rotating storms as well.
Latest position and track of Tropical Storm (barely) Henri. Remnants move through tomorrow. We will talk about how that might be just as bad coming up at 6 @boston25 with @VickiGrafWX pic.twitter.com/2ksh4rDDyU
— Kevin Lemanowicz (@KevinBoston25) August 22, 2021
4:40 p.m.: Eversource says it is moving 100 crews from Cape Cod to Connecticut.
4 p.m.: Due to current and forecasted conditions for the tides and storm surge, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said its team has opened or is in the process of opening three hurricane barriers: in Stamford, Connecticut, Fox Point in Rhode Island and in New Bedford, Massachusetts. All three hurricane barriers will remain staffed throughout Sunday evening and the high tide cycles on Monday.
2:30 p.m.: Winds from Tropical Storm Henri are estimated to be 50 mph as the storm continues to move northwest at 9 mph.
Here is the latest position of Tropical Storm Henri. Winds are estimated max sustained at 50 mph, but that is not happening anywhere, though there have been gusts stronger than that. Heaviest rain to the west of the track as we've talked about all week. Coverage all day @boston25 pic.twitter.com/CL28TqhraO
— Kevin Lemanowicz (@KevinBoston25) August 22, 2021
12:45 p.m.: Tropical Storm Henri has officially made landfall in Westerly, Rhode Island with 60 mph winds
#Henri is onshore - Westerly, RI official landfall point. Heaviest rain continues to pivot west. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/nSEDS8CZx5
— Jason Brewer (@JBrewerBoston25) August 22, 2021
11 a.m.: The National Hurricane Center said the center of Henri is passing close to Block Island as it continues to head for southern New England. A dangerous storm surge, strong wind and flooding rain are expected.
NEW 11 AM track is farther west into western MA this evening... Still looking at wind damage potential & heavy rain (especially west). @boston25 pic.twitter.com/dsMRmVvjnp
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) August 22, 2021
9 a.m.: Damage reports are now coming in for parts of Rhode Island as Tropical Storm Henri continues to deliver heavy wind gusts and rain across the state before traveling Martha’s Vineyard at 40 mph.
First damage reports coming in from RI, winds gusting to 40mph on the Vineyard now. Landfall still hours away. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/RXFGpslY6z
— Jason Brewer (@JBrewerBoston25) August 22, 2021
7 a.m.: Henri has been downgraded to a tropical storm, but the impact for heavy rain and strong wind continues as it makes its way up southern New England, through Rhode Island, before arriving in Massachuetts by early afternoon.
NEW AT 7 AM: #Henri is now a TROPICAL STORM. Landfall still expected early this afternoon. @boston25 #mawx #newengland pic.twitter.com/LNJl0TIxus
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) August 22, 2021
Live Updates for Saturday, August 21
11 p.m.: The latest track information shows Henri is speeding up, but will slow down and weaken slightly before making landfall, according to the Boston 25 Weather Team. The track has shifted a little to the east.
11PM Henri update: Henri is speeding up, but will slow down & weaken slightly before making landfall. The track has shifted a little to the east, this is a trend @kevinboston25 talked about tonight. @shirispear & @jasonboston25 have the latest tomorrow AM! pic.twitter.com/SigxSnZXBX
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) August 22, 2021
8 p.m.: Henri’s movement and wind are the same, according to the Boston 25 Weather Team. Our meteorologists are expecting landfall along eastern Long Island through southern Connecticut and Rhode Island, with slight strengthening overnight as the storm moves through some warmer waters. However, it will then weaken as it approaches cooler waters over New England and some wind shear.
No big changes with the 8pm update on #Henri - it is moving quickly towards New England. Some additional strengthening is possible overnight, but once it encounters cooler waters off the coast of New England and some shear, it will weaken before making landfall. pic.twitter.com/K6pSXYosYs
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) August 22, 2021
6:45 p.m.: Eversource says utility crews from across the nation are arriving at its staging area on Cape Cod.
Contract crews from all over the country are arriving at our staging area at Joint Base Cape Cod, including these crews from Canada. We have 1,100 crews positioned throughout the state to support restoration efforts following #Henri. pic.twitter.com/e3w79wpgo1
— Eversource MA (@EversourceMA) August 21, 2021
5 p.m.: According to the 5 p.m. track update, Henri is picking up speed, now moving NNE at 18 mph. Additional strengthening is still possible tonight. As it gets closer to the coast of southern New England/New York, it will start to weaken and it will slow down a bit. Expected landfall after 2 p.m. Sunday, maybe closer to 5 p.m. This could change. The track brings the storm still between Long Island and southern Rhode Island.
5pm #Henri update: Henri is speeding up, additional strengthening possible tonight. It approaches southern New England/New York tomorrow slowing down a bit weakening slightly. We're looking at landfall after 2pm near Long Island/southern Rhode Island. pic.twitter.com/wa3lTMIc1a
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) August 21, 2021
2 p.m.: According to the 2 p.m. track update, Henri remains a hurricane. It is moving a little faster since the last update. No big changes to the forecast track. Still watching potential landfall between Long Island and Block Island on Sunday.
1:45 p.m.: Sunday’s ferry between Martha’s Vineyard & Inter-Island has been canceled.
#Alert 8/22 Sun: Martha's Vineyard & Inter-Island (direct ferry BETWEEN the islands) has been cxl for Sunday 8/22. No Nantucket cancellations yet, though we anticipate service interruptions
— Hy-Line Cruises (@hylinecruises) August 21, 2021
1 p.m.: Boston 25 News reporter Kirsten Glavin had lots of company while leaving the Cape this afternoon.
Some not so fun Cape traffic today. A lot of people heading off. #Henri @boston25 pic.twitter.com/Oq2LIuah7Z
— Kirsten Glavin (@kirstenglavin) August 21, 2021
10:55 a.m.: Henri strengthens to Category 1 hurricane.
Henri is now a hurricane with max winds of 75 mph. No big changes with forecast track, it arrives in New York/New England Sunday. pic.twitter.com/HvJAVeplAR
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) August 21, 2021
10 a.m.: Sunday’s WooSox game has been canceled due to the storm. Fans can exchange their tickets for any future WooSox game this season at Polar Park, including Saturday afternoon’s game at 4:05 p.m.
9:15 a.m.: The New England Aquarium will be closed on Sunday, August 22 in anticipation of the storm. The area around the Aquarium is notorious for flooding during storms.
We will be closed on Sunday, August 22, due to the anticipated impact of Tropical Storm Henri. ⛈️
— New England Aquarium (@NEAQ) August 21, 2021
If you have tickets to the Aquarium, an email will be sent to you to reschedule your visit.
We appreciate your understanding. Everyone stay safe out there! pic.twitter.com/S2xNFG7qAj
8 a.m.: Hurricane Hunters just flew into Tropical Storm Henri. It is forecast to become a hurricane Saturday afternoon and will near New England tomorrow.
OVER THE ATLANTIC - The center of TS #Henri and the sea state within the storm seen from @NOAA WP-3D Orion #NOAA42 "Kermit" during the evening mission August 20, 2021. Credit: Lt. Cmdr. Doremus, NOAA Corps. Follow @NHC_Atlantic for latest forecast and advisories. #FlyNOAA pic.twitter.com/YFGfyGI3YG
— NOAA Aircraft Operations Center (@NOAA_HurrHunter) August 21, 2021
7:30 a.m.: Flood Watch issued for central and western MA, CT, RI and Long Island.
A FLOOD WATCH has been issued for central and western MA, CT, RI and Long Island where the heaviest rain is expected. 3-6"+ of rain is possible, flooding will remain one of the top threats Sunday & Monday. pic.twitter.com/Kx4Jv3lpFS
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) August 21, 2021
5:30 a.m.: Henri remains a Tropical Storm Saturday morning and is expected to become a Category 1 Hurricane by the afternoon, according to Meteorologist Vicki Graf. Multiple advisories are in place including:
-A Tropical Storm Warning for the South Coast, Martha’s Vineyard into southern Rhode Island
-Hurricane Warning for Long Island and southern Connecticut
-Storm Surge Warning for Cape & Islands, as well as South Coast
-Flood Watch across central and western MA, CT, RI and Long Island
Henri is expected to make landfall along Long Island Sunday as a tropical storm. The forecast will continue to shift slightly as we get closer to tomorrow, either way - we are still going to face rain, wind and coastal issues across the northeast. pic.twitter.com/mR8eOjuJQz
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) August 21, 2021
Friday, August 20
11:13 p.m.: Henri is again farther west, which is good news for eastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, according to Chief Meteorologist Kevin Lemanowicz.
11 pm update from @nhc_Atlantic is again farther west... that's good news for eastern MA, Cape Cod, MVY, and ACK. Talking about it 11:15 @boston25 pic.twitter.com/PdrG5GtdhB
— Kevin Lemanowicz (@KevinBoston25) August 21, 2021
8 p.m.: Henri is still a Tropical Storm and this does not change the track, in the latest update from Chief Meteorologist Kevin Lemanowicz.
Here's the 8pm position of Henri, still a Tropical Storm. This does NOT change the track. I will have that (hopefully) before 11pm @boston25 and certainly at 11. pic.twitter.com/0Kv8uHSenn
— Kevin Lemanowicz (@KevinBoston25) August 21, 2021
5 p.m.: Henri’s track shifted more westward in the latest update from the Boston 25 Weather Team.
The westward shift continues! Cape Cod and Islands now out of possible landfall area. Do NOT let your guard down. The track can change again before Sunday. Also, on this side of the storm, the strongest winds will be blowing. This is why you can't just focus on landfall area. pic.twitter.com/Wri7TjR1NP
— Kevin Lemanowicz (@KevinBoston25) August 20, 2021
As of the 5pm update, the track of Henri continues to shift further west. This forecast still is not set in stone, but the track of the storm will have a big impact on where we see the worst of the rain & wind. @kevinboston25 has the latest now on @boston25 pic.twitter.com/exVC7MuXqf
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) August 20, 2021
#Henri is headed our way. Who else got this alert on their phone?⬇️ pic.twitter.com/xM9PF218S0
— Julianne Lima (@JulianneLimaTV) August 20, 2021
2 p.m.:
2PM update on #Henri - it is almost a hurricane with max winds of 70 mph. No big changes to the track, but watching some of the model trends which continue to shift the track west. pic.twitter.com/27pa67F2Sm
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) August 20, 2021
1:15 p.m.:
At Plymouth Harbor Boat ramp where people are pulling their boats from the water ahead of whatever the Hurricane may bring @boston25 pic.twitter.com/oqNho5uOGT
— Bob Ward Boston 25 (@Bward3) August 20, 2021
11 a.m.:
11AM update on Henri: It is expected to strengthen to a hurricane by Sat AM & will approach the coast of New England Sunday as a weak hurricane or strong tropical storm. We're still narrowing down the track/intensity of the storm, stay with us for updates! pic.twitter.com/HZ2yppNahX
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) August 20, 2021
One of the biggest concerns from Henri will be rain & flooding. The ground is already so saturated and Henri will be slow to move out, 2-5" of rain is possible Sunday into Monday. We saw what that kind of rain can do with yesterday's storms and flooding issues. pic.twitter.com/7G51a0px8U
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) August 20, 2021
Current storm surge expectations (on top of an astronomical high tide) @boston25 #mawx pic.twitter.com/jiY4Abuyhq
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) August 20, 2021
Now is the time to start preparing ahead of #Henri - conditions will deteriorate Sunday morning and the storm will be with us for a while bringing heavy rain, wind and coastal impacts. Stay with @boston25 as we track this storm. pic.twitter.com/cEPqmaE8hg
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) August 20, 2021
WATCH THE FORECAST | DOWNLOAD THE APPS
Closings | Download our free apps | Forecast
Stay Informed:
Utilize MEMA’s real-time power outage viewer to stay informed about current power outages in your community and region, and across the state, including information from utility companies about restoration times.
Utilize MEMA’s live weather radar and forecasting tools.
MassDOT | MBTA | Logan Airport | Amtrak
Online Resources:
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency - on Facebook and Twitter
Federal Emergency Management Agency
National Weather Service/Boston
National Weather Service/Albany, NY
©2021 Cox Media Group