Medford, the calm spring weather you’ve been enjoying is about to take a wild turn. A storm is rolling in tonight, bringing with it heavy rain and strong winds that could stick around until Thursday morning. If you’ve been soaking in the sunshine, now’s the time to prepare. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect as the storm moves in.
What’s Coming: Heavy Rain and Wind Hit Medford Tonight
Starting tonight, things are about to get wet and windy in Medford. Rain will begin around 7 PM, and it won’t let up anytime soon. Along with the downpours, winds will pick up, reaching gusts of 40-50 mph. So, if you’re planning to be out and about tonight, be prepared for rain-soaked roads, poor visibility, and strong wind gusts. It’s definitely going to feel like a proper spring storm.
The rain isn’t just a light drizzle—this is heavy rain, so be careful on the roads, especially if you’re driving. The conditions will be challenging, and we could see some local flooding in low-lying areas. The wind won’t make it any easier either, as it will be strong enough to knock over branches and maybe even blow debris onto the road. With gusts up to 50 mph, expect things to get a little dicey out there.
When Will It Be the Worst?
If you’re planning to go out tonight, keep in mind that the storm will hit its hardest between 9 PM and 2 AM. This is when heavy rain and gusty winds will be at their peak. It’s going to be a rough stretch, so avoid being on the roads unless you absolutely have to. Reduced visibility will make driving tricky, and the gusty winds could make it hard to keep control of your car, especially on roads like I-5.
What About Tomorrow (Thursday)?
The good news is that the worst of the storm will ease by Thursday morning. The rain should taper off around 7-8 AM, and the winds will start to die down. If you have an early commute, be prepared for wet roads and some lingering breeziness, but by mid-morning, things should start to calm down. So, if you can hold off on any big plans until later in the day, you’ll get a much clearer and calmer ride.
By Thursday afternoon, the skies should start clearing up, with calmer conditions making their way back into Medford. Spring will return to its peaceful, sunny self after the storm passes, but tonight and tomorrow morning will bring some tough weather to get through.
How to Stay Safe During the Storm
-
Stay Inside If You Can – The storm is going to make things challenging outside, so if you don’t have to be out tonight, it’s best to stay in. If you do have to go somewhere, make sure to take extra care. Drive slowly, keep your headlights on, and stay a safe distance from other cars on the road.
-
Be Careful on the Roads – If you do find yourself driving, make sure to stay alert. Heavy rain and wind gusts will make the roads slick, and you could come across standing water or debris. Drive carefully, and if you see puddles forming, avoid them if you can. Falling branches could also make driving hazardous, so be mindful.
-
Secure Outdoor Items – With winds gusting up to 50 mph, outdoor furniture, plants, or other objects can easily blow away or get damaged. If you’ve got anything outside, bring it in or secure it before the storm hits. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when the wind picks up like this.
-
Watch for Fallen Debris – Trees are known to topple in high winds, and Medford has no shortage of them. If you’re walking around, stay away from big trees, as branches can snap off quickly. And if you’re driving, be on the lookout for fallen branches or other debris blocking the road.
-
Flooding Risk – The heavy rain could create localized flooding in certain areas. If you come across a flooded road, don’t risk it. Turn around and find another way. Even a little water can cause your car to lose traction, so don’t take any chances.
What’s After the Storm?
Once Thursday rolls around, the storm will start to move out, and Medford will get a break. The skies will clear up, and while it might still be a little breezy, it won’t be anything like what we’re seeing tonight. You can expect a cool but calmer day tomorrow as the weather begins to settle back into its usual springtime rhythm.
Prepare for a Bumpy Night
Tonight’s storm may not last long, but it’s going to pack a punch. With heavy rain and high winds expected, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared. Stay inside if you can, secure any outdoor belongings, and keep an eye out for dangerous road conditions. It’ll be a rough ride through tonight and into tomorrow morning, but by Thursday afternoon, things should calm down.
