A weekend storm now hitting the area promises to give a “one-two punch” that will last through Sunday afternoon, said Bill Simpson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
The storm will be “a slow build from here,” Simpson said. North and northwesterly winds and accompanying rain will be gradually increasing, peaking late this evening before a lull that leads into another leg of the storm.
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With the temperature dropping overnight, a dusting of snow is likely in some parts of the state, Simpson said.
No snow has fallen yet, “but it’s coming,” he said.
Part of central and western Massachusetts may get snow overnight in areas of high elevation. By early Sunday, snow is possible on the eastern edge of the state as well.
“Greater Boston could see a few flakes, but it’s not going to stick,” he said.
At most, areas above 1,000 feet elevation may see 1 to 2 inches of snow, said weather service meteorologist Rebecca Gould.
Forecasters predict the greatest impact will be on the Cape and Islands, with winds up to 60 miles per hour and a possible 1.5 inches of rain. In Greater Boston, about 1 inch of rain is expected with gusts of 30 to 40 miles per hour.
The storm could cause power outages from downed trees and power lines, according to the weather service.
At 5 p.m., National Grid reported fewer than 400 outages, and NSTAR fewer than 300. Both power companies have fully staffed crews preparing to handle any storm-related outages, according to spokesmen for the companies.
“It’s really going to be the winds that could cause some trouble,” said National Grid spokesman Jake Navarro.
Weather service meteorologists also caution against leaving out loosely attached Halloween decorations or election signs.
“Either make sure they’re secure, or bring them in,” Gould said.
Early this evening, regions averaged an inch of rain across the state.
Coastal flood advisories are in place for the entire eastern coast of Massachusetts for the evening high tide, which is at 7 tonight, Gould said. East Plymouth County and Cape Cod are under a coastal flood warning for the 7 a.m. Sunday high tide.
Temperatures will remain in the high 40s today, dropping to about 38 degrees tonight with a “gusty wind chill,” said Frank Nocera with the weather service.
Sunday morning will be in the mid-30s, possibly rising to 44 degrees in the afternoon, making for a chilly Patriots game.
The good news, Nocera said, is the rain should abate Sunday morning, leaving the afternoon crisp and dry. Forecasters expect the rain to end by midday Sunday.
Jennifer Smith can be reached at jennifer.smith@globe.com