POWERFUL AUTUMN STORM OFFSHORE WILL BRING SOME IMPACTS TO OUR AREA TODAY AND TONIGHT…FLOOD WATCHES IN EFFECT FOR ALL OF CONNECTICUT…WIND ADVISORIES IN EFFECT FOR EASTERN CONNECTICUT…
A fairly powerful Noreaster type storm is currently located 300 miles southeast of Cape Cod. This storm is forecast to turn back towards New England today and tonight. Meanwhile an area of moderate to heavy rain is currently falling over New Jersey, New York City and into southern Connecticut. NE winds are currently gusting to 30 MPH along the coast. UI and Eversource are reporting 369 customers without power at this time. The following forecast is based on a blend of the NAM, GFS, and HRRR models:
This Morning: Rain, heavy at times (rainfall rates of ½” – ¾” per hour) during the next several hours especially in southwestern Connecticut. Wind gusts are forecast to gradually increase from 20 – 30 MPH currently up to 30 – 40 MPH by noon. Some minor to moderate urban flooding and minor power outages can be expected during the next several hours.
This Afternoon: The rainfall and winds may slightly subside by late afternoon as the primary low pressure center near New York City weakens. Maximum rainfall rates of ¼” to ½” inch per hour can be expected. Winds are forecast to gust to 25 – 35 MPH at times. Some minor urban flooding and minor power outages can be expected.
This Evening and Overnight: As the Noreaster approaches New England from the southeast another period of moderate to heavy rain accompanied by stronger winds is expected overnight. Rainfall rates around ½” per hour and NNE winds may gust to 40 – 50 MPH especially in eastern Connecticut may again cause some minor urban flooding and minor to isolated moderate impacts to power lines.
Wednesday Morning: Most impacts should subside by mid-morning on Wednesday as the storm begins to depart to the east.
The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will continue to closely monitor this storm.
