Needham and Dedham residents could face heavy rain, gusty winds and possible power outages from Friday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Sept. 27, as forecasters track a potential nor'easter along the New England coast.

The National Weather Service forecast for Needham as of Tuesday, Sept. 22, calls for a 40 percent chance of showers Friday, rising to 60 percent Friday night through Saturday. Wind gusts could reach 38 mph on Saturday, with sustained north winds of 22 to 24 mph.

The storm's severity hinges on its track. That track remains uncertain.

The NWS Boston office said Sept. 20 that confidence was low in what impacts the region would feel. AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva told Newsweek on Sept. 21 that the service was "leaning toward a track that is closer to the coast and therefore can bring more significant impacts."

If the storm shifts closer to Boston, the FOX Forecast Center said gusts of 60 to 70 mph are possible along the immediate coast, according to Fox Weather. That scenario could also bring major storm surge to Boston Harbor and the Massachusetts coastline. The center said the scenario of the storm remaining offshore was "appearing less likely" as of Sept. 21.

AccuWeather expert meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said the storm "may wander out to sea for a time, then drift west and return closer to the coast," as first reported by Patch.

A full moon on Saturday, Sept. 26, will push astronomical tides higher than normal. The storm could compound that effect, raising coastal flood risk, according to AccuWeather. DaSilva told Newsweek that leaves still on the trees raise the risk of localized power outages, "especially in coastal areas where the winds can be stronger."

AccuWeather meteorologist Alyssa Glenny said the storm "may be capable of producing tropical-storm-force wind gusts" but "is not expected to organize into an official tropical entity at this time."

No watches or warnings had been issued for the Needham-Dedham area as of Tuesday, Sept. 22. The forecast is expected to sharpen before Friday as the storm's path becomes clearer.

Residents who lose power can report outages to Eversource at 800-592-2000.