Coastal flood warnings and snow emergencies expand in Massachusetts as powerful nor’easter nears shoreline Monday

Warnings and emergency measures take effect ahead of Monday’s high tide and peak storm conditions

A Coastal Flood Warning has been posted for parts of Massachusetts as a strong nor’easter targets Southern New England late Sunday into Monday, with coastal inundation expected around the early-morning high tide on Monday, February 23, 2026. The warning covers multiple shoreline and island communities and coincides with forecasts for heavy snow, damaging wind gusts, and hazardous travel conditions across eastern Massachusetts.

Forecast guidance indicates the greatest coastal flooding risk will occur overnight into early Monday, when high tides and storm-driven surge combine with rough seas. Low-lying roads near shorelines and tidal waterways are expected to be most vulnerable, with conditions that can rapidly change during peak tides.

Where coastal flooding is expected and what impacts are forecast

Coastal flooding impacts are expected to vary by location. Some North Shore and metro Boston shoreline areas are under advisories where inundation may be lower, while the Cape and Islands face the potential for higher water levels in exposed and flood-prone locations.

• In parts of Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk counties, inundation around 1 foot is possible in the most vulnerable low-lying areas.
• In Plymouth and Barnstable counties, as well as Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, inundation of roughly 2 to 3 feet is forecast in susceptible coastal locations.
• Flooding near harbors and ferry access routes can affect transportation, especially during the Monday morning high tide window.

Boston and Massachusetts activate winter-storm response

In Boston, a Snow Emergency and citywide parking ban took effect on Sunday, February 22 at 2 p.m., with towing enforcement on posted snow emergency routes. Boston Public Schools were closed for Monday, and municipal buildings were also scheduled to be closed as the city prepared for what officials described as potentially severe conditions.

At the state level, Massachusetts declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm, with officials urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to plan for potential power outages and prolonged cleanup operations. Utility crews were positioned in advance across the region in anticipation of outages driven by strong winds and heavy, wet snow.

Travel and infrastructure disruptions likely as storm intensifies

Air travel disruptions were already mounting as airlines prepared for deteriorating conditions. Road travel is expected to become increasingly dangerous overnight Sunday into Monday as snowfall rates increase and visibility drops, particularly in exposed coastal corridors and higher-wind areas.

Officials are urging residents to avoid driving through flooded roadways and to keep clear of snowplows and emergency crews during the height of the storm.

Emergency managers continue to emphasize preparation steps including charging devices, checking heating systems and alarms, and keeping vents clear of snow to reduce indoor safety risks during extended periods of heavy snowfall and wind.