What meteorologists say about potentially harmful winds

Those in eastern and southeastern Massachusetts should prepare for power outages Thursday evening and Friday morning as damaging winds are forecast overnight.

What was a National Weather Service (NWS) high wind warning is now a high wind warning for those areas from 11pm Thursday to 9am Friday, and widespread power outages are expected.

The NWS predicts southwesterly winds of between 25 and 35 mph, with gusts of up to 60 mph in most of southeastern Massachusetts and up to 65 on the south coast and Cape and Islands. The worst gusts of wind are expected between 3am and 8am

The NWS advises staying clear of wooded areas and near trees and branches during the storm. If possible, stay on the lower floors of your home and avoid windows. If you must drive, be careful.

Thursday evening’s chance of rain has dropped to 80%, with showers not expected until after midnight. Only a quarter to a half inch of rain is expected. The rain could last until 8 a.m. Friday.

Temperatures on Friday are expected to peak at 61 degrees by 5am before falling over the course of the day, which is expected to be cloudy and windy, to reach 34 degrees by 5pm

There is a low chance of snow Saturday afternoon, evening and overnight, ranging from 20% to 40% during this time. Sunday will be sunny but in the 30s.

Here’s what local meteorologists say about the storm:

National Weather Service:

Pamela Gardner, NBC10 Boston:

Pete Bouchard, NBC10 Boston:

Eric Fisher, WBZ:

Jeremy Reiner, 7 messages: