A weekend storm that started Saturday morning promised a “one-two punch” expected to last through Sunday afternoon, according to Bill Simpson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
The storm will be “a slow build from here,” Simpson said Saturday morning.
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North and northwesterly winds and accompanying rain gradually increased Saturday, peaking late in the evening before a lull was expected to lead into another leg of the storm.
With the temperature dropping overnight, a dusting of snow was likely in some areas across the state, Simpson said.
Parts of Central and Western Massachusetts, in areas of high elevation, were expected to have snow overnight. By early Sunday, forecasters said, snow was possible on the eastern edge of the state as well.
“Greater Boston could see a few flakes, but it’s not going to stick,” Simpson said.
At most, areas above 1,000 feet elevation could see 1 to 2 inches of snow, said weather service meteorologist Rebecca Gould.
Forecasters predicted 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. Saturday, National Grid reported fewer than 400 outages, and NSTAR fewer than 300. Both power companies have fully staffed crews prepared to handle any storm-related outages, according to representatives.
“It’s really going to be the winds that could cause some trouble,” said National Grid spokesman Jake Navarro.
Weather service meteorologists also cautioned against leaving loosely attached Halloween decorations or election signs outside.
“Either make sure they’re secure, or bring them in,” Gould said.
East Plymouth County and Cape Cod are under a coastal flood warning for the 7 a.m. Sunday high tide.
Temperatures were expected to drop to about 38 degrees Saturday night with a “gusty wind chill,” said Frank Nocera, with the weather service.
Sunday morning was expected to be in the mid-30s, possibly rising to 44 degrees in the afternoon, making for a chilly New England Patriots game in Foxborough.
The good news, Nocera said, is the rain should abate Sunday morning and end by midday, leaving the afternoon crisp and dry.
Jennifer Smith can be reached at jennifer.smith@globe.com.