A flood watch is in effect for Connecticut, with between two and three inches of rain expected and locally higher amounts possible, according to meteorologists.
The National Weather Service reports flooding could be severe, with potential disruptions to transportation. There could be flooding of basements, first floors and underground infrastructure.
Expect flooding along small rivers, streams and creeks, and adjacent roads and properties, according to the National Weather Service.
While the entire state is under a flood watch, the risk for excessive rainfall and flash flooding is highest in southern Connecticut, its meteorologists predict.
Widespread rainfall of up to three inches is expected. There could be locally higher amounts of between four and six inches due to bands of torrential rainfall.
“These conditions could lead to flash flooding,” the National Weather Service said.
Thunderstorms are also possible this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
Connecticut residents are urged to monitor forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings.
“Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop,” the National Weather Service said.
WFSB is predicting a widespread one to three inches of rainfall across the state, with locally higher amounts up to six inches or more. It is calling today a “First Alert Weather Day” due to the rain being heavy at times, and the potential for flooding.
“Visibility will be reduced, especially in heavier downpours, and ponding on area roadways is likely, so slow down and allow extra stopping distance,” WFSB reports.
“There’s still a bit of uncertainty as to where those bands of heavier rain would set up,” WFSB said. “While the state certainly needs the rainfall, too much in a short period of time can be a bad thing - and if those higher totals materialize, the flash flooding threat would increase significantly.”
High temperatures today will be in the upper 60s to low 70s, providing much needed relief from the recent heat wave, according to the National Weather Service.
The rainfall is expected to taper off early Tuesday, with dry weather returning by Tuesday afternoon.
The state is still recovering from the July 4 storms, which left thousands without power. As of Monday at 9:15 a.m., Eversource was reporting 34,366 customers without power, while United Illuminating showed 3,385 customers still experiencing an outage.
Towns with the largest power outages include: Bridgeport, 2,678, Bristol, 1,566, Brookfield, 1,080, Danbury, 1,110, East Haddam, 1,048, Harwinton, 2,202, New Canaan, 2,214, New Fairfield, 3,130, Norwalk, 1,078, Salisbury, 2,797, and Torrington, 1,410.
Eversource said, "With crews continuing to make good progress clearing and repairing the significant and widespread damage caused by the powerful July 4th storm, we expect to restore 99% of our customers by 11:45 p.m. Tuesday and most will have their power back on sooner."
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Here are the forecast details for northern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:
Today: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 72. Northeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 62. North wind 9 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tuesday: Showers, mainly before noon. High near 72. North wind 11 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tuesday Night: A slight chance of showers between 10 p.m. and midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. North wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. North wind 3 to 6 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Light southwest wind.
Thursday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 90. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind 6 to 9 mph.
Friday: A chance of showers before 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 p.m. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 90. Light southwest wind becoming west 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Here are the forecast details for southern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:
Today: Periods of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 67. East wind 14 to 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Tonight: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 61. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Tuesday: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. Northeast wind 11 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. North wind around 7 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.
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