Strong Winds and Heavy Rain For Thursday Afternoon

A line of showers and thunderstorms capable of producing strong winds and causing minor flooding is headed toward Swampscott on Thursday afternoon.

At 1:45 p.m., radar showed the line of storms crossing I-495, heading eastward at 30 miles per hour.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement at 1:21 p.m. on Thursday warning that the line of showers is capable of producing winds gusts topping 40 mph and heavy rain.

The storms were expected to arrive along the Route 128 corridor, including Swampscott, by 2:30 p.m.

The heavy rain from the storm may cause minor street flooding and ponding, the weather service said, warning drivers to not drive into flooded areas.