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Tropical storm warning issued in parts of Mass. ahead of Jose

national weather service

A tropical storm warning was issued Monday for coastal areas south of Boston, including Cape Cod and the Islands, in anticipation of Hurricane Jose, which is forecast to bring strong winds, heavy rains, and the threat of flooding.

The National Weather Service, which previously had issued a warning for parts of the South Shore and southeastern Massachusetts, updated the alert around 9:15 p.m and reported that Jose was moving north at 10 miles an hour.

Forecasters issued a flash flood watch for Cape Cod and Nantucket from Tuesday night through Wednesday.

Jose, which weakened somewhat Monday, is not expected to make landfall in New England, but it will still have an impact on coastal New England for some 36 hours after its arrival late Tuesday, forecasters said.

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Currently a Category 1 hurricane, Jose is expected to weaken to a tropical storm or sub-tropical system by the time it reaches New England. The chance remains that it makes landfall in the area, depending on the path it takes up the Atlantic coast.

“Although Jose will generally pass offshore of much of the East Coast, a landfall can still not be ruled out,” senior AccuWeather meteorologist Dan Pydynowski said in a statement.

Whether or not Jose makes landfall, it will still be felt as the week goes on, especially along the coast. Sustained winds of 30 to 40 miles are expected in the areas of concern, with gusts up to 60 miles an hour, forecasters said. Winds are expected to particularly fierce on Nantucket, which could receive as much as five inches of rain, forecasters said.

“The slow-moving and lingering nature of Jose will lead to prolonged impact on beach communities and offshore interests,” senior AccuWeather meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said.

Forecasts showed the chance for rough surf and high waves, “intense” rip currents, and potentially “extensive” beach erosion. Flooding is also possible along the coast.

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The storm surge threat begins Tuesday afternoon, with two feet or more expected in some locations.

“With the new moon phase early this week, tide levels are higher than most of the rest of the month,” Sosnowski said. “Jose may push tides to 1-3 feet above published levels.”

Monday “is a good day to prepare for Jose, especially if you live near the South Coast or on the Cape Cod and the Islands!” meteorologists in Taunton wrote on social media. Boat owners are being urged to check their moorings, and homeowners should remove items that could blow away in strong winds.

Forecasters have one final warning: Stay away from the shoreline when Jose arrives.

“Many people like to head to the shore to view large surf in these situations. Please be safe and view from a location away from breaking waves!” forecasters wrote. “Stay away from sea walls, jetties, or piers. Large waves can easily sweep you into the water, putting you in a life-threatening situation.”


Aimee Ortiz can be reached at aimee.ortiz@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @aimee_ortiz. John R. Ellement can be reached at ellement@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @JREbosglobe.