As the incoming nor'easter bears down on Connecticut, a hazardous weather outlook has been issued, and residents are urged to take precautions.
"Strong winds and rough seas along with a prolonged period of steady rain across the region are expected through this weekend," the National Weather Service said. "Beach erosion, coastal flooding, and wind damage including downed limbs and power outages are our main concerns."
A wind advisory is in effect from 2 p.m. Friday afternoon through 6 a.m. on Sunday for southern Connecticut. Winds of 20 to 25 miles per hour, and gusts of up to 55 miles per hour are expected.
In northern Connecticut, a wind advisory is in effect from noon Friday to 2 a.m. Sunday, with winds of 15 to 25 miles per hour and gusts of up to 50 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.
Tree limbs could come down, causing a few power outages, its meteorologists caution.
A coastal flood warning is in effect starting at 6 p.m. tonight through 6 p.m. Sunday. There could be widespread flooding along the shoreline, including roads, parking lots, parks, lawns, and homes and businesses with basements near the waterfront, the warning advises.
The National Weather Service predicts the worst flooding will be at high tide on Saturday and Sunday.
It predicts the storm will impact Connecticut starting today and throughout the weekend, with a prolonged period of rain. The National Weather Service anticipates 2.5 to 4 inches of rainfall in southern Connecticut, with between 1.5 and 3 inches in other parts of the state. Isolated, localized flash flooding is possible.
Timeline for rain to begin
WTNH predicts the rain will begin falling today "from east to west during mid to late afternoon and evening." Both Saturday and Sunday will bring heavy rain, gusty winds and possible power issues, followed by slow clearing on Monday, according to WTNH.
WFSB is calling both Saturday and Sunday "First Alert Weather Days," due to the slow-moving coastal storm.
"We're expecting wind gusts to reach 40-50 mph and since our trees are still fully leafed, limbs/branches could come down leading to isolated power outages," WFSB reports. "Also, it will be raw with temps running nearly 10° below normal. When it comes to rain, 1-2" likely adds up across the state (perhaps locally higher amounts)."
Utility companies preparing for storm
Utility companies say they are preparing for the nor'easter, and they advise residents to make sure they are prepared, such as by fully charging devices and having flashlights handy.
United Illuminating said it is fully staffed and prepared to bring in additional resources if needed to respond to any storm-related damage and outages. UI customers can track outages HERE.
Angela Baccaro, UI spokesperson, said, "We will restore power as quickly and safely as possible, as conditions allow, in the event of outages. Customers are encouraged to take steps such as keeping flashlights on hand, fully charging devices, and stocking up on water. As always, assume all downed wires are energized and stay far away."
Eversource says it has been monitoring the storm closely also.
Eversource President of Connecticut Electric Operations Don Scacco, said, "We will have hundreds of line and tree crews in position around the state and ready to respond as quickly and safely as possible to whatever this storm may bring."
Eversource customers can track outages HERE.
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Here are the forecast details for southern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:
Today: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 5 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Northeast wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Tonight: Rain, mainly after 11 p.m. Low around 54. Breezy, with a northeast wind 21 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday: Rain before 8 a.m., then a chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., then rain after 11 a.m. High near 63. Windy, with a north wind 24 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday Night: Rain. Low around 54. Breezy, with a north wind 22 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Sunday: Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 2 p.m. High near 65. Breezy, with a north wind 20 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 44 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Sunday Night: Rain. Low around 56. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Monday: Rain likely before 2 p.m., then a chance of showers after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Here are the forecast details for northern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:
Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 72. North wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.
Tonight: Rain likely, mainly after 2 a.m. Patchy fog after 4 a.m. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 55. North wind 16 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Saturday: Rain. High near 60. Breezy, with a north wind 21 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 47 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Saturday Night: Rain. Patchy fog before 9 p.m. Low around 54. Breezy, with a north wind 21 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 43 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Sunday: Rain. High near 60. Breezy, with a north wind 16 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: Rain. Low around 55. North wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday: Rain likely before noon, then showers likely after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. North wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night: A chance of showers before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. North wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
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