'Powerful' Storm Before Christmas Forecast For CT: Timeline, New Details Released

CONNECTICUT — The National Weather Service has already issued a hazardous weather outlook for a major storm that will produce heavy rain, flooding concerns and potentially 60 mph wind gusts.

No snow, as of right now, is forecast for Connecticut, as high temperatures will approach 60 degrees on Friday, but by Friday night temperatures will nosedive to the teens. A flash freeze is of concern for Saturday morning, forecasters say.

The storm really gets going on Thursday night and Friday morning, before the precipitation tapers off on Friday afternoon. Up to three inches of rain is possible.

For the holiday weekend, high temperatures will only be in the 20s, what a massive change from the 60 degree mark on Friday.

Here’s a breakout of what to expect, via the WFSB 3 TV weather team Chief Meteorologist Mark Dixon with Scot Haney:

Wind: Out of the south, it ramps up Thursday night, this transitions any non-rain over to rain quickly as temps rise Thursday night. Friday, they peak between 55 and 60!..Wind gusts could easily top 50 mph (perhaps even higher, based on how the storm intensifies and tracks --- 60+ mph gusts are not out of the realm of possibility). Therefore, power outages could increase as we close out the week.

Rain: The rain becomes heavy at times, especially through Friday morning; then, periods of rain thereafter. When it comes down heavily, anticipate poor visibility and ponding on roadways (therefore a concern for hydroplaning). Also, some rumbles of thunder can’t be ruled out.

Flooding: By the time it’s done late Friday, totals could range from 2-3″ with locally higher amounts, so there could be flooding concerns.

Flash Freeze?: Before ending Friday night, rain could switch over to snow as colder air arrives. Accumulations would be minor, if at all. Something we’ll have to monitor, however, is how quickly temps drop… if fast enough, with lingering moisture on what will be untreated surfaces, things could become slick. (Watch the WFSB 3 TV weather forecast here).

See also: Woman, 23, Killed After Being Ejected From Car, Victim ID Released

• Firefighters Perform High Angle Rope Rescue Of Hiker, Dog
• Popular Café Closing

Southern Connecticut forecast details via the National Weather Service:

Coastal sections details: "There is increasing potential for widespread minor to localized moderate coastal flooding during the Friday morning high tide cycle. Another round of coastal flooding is possible Friday night, but to a lesser degree. In addition, there is the possibility of damaging winds with the passage of a cold front on Friday, bringing the potential of downed trees and power lines."

Interior sections of southern Connecticut: "There is the possibility of damaging winds with the passage of a cold front on Friday, bringing the potential of downed trees and power lines."

Northern Connecticut forecast details via the National Weather Service:

"A powerful storm system will bring the potential for damaging southerly wind gusts, coastal flooding along with heavy rain and the risk for some fresh water small river/stream flooding. The main time of concern for this will be Thursday night and particularly Friday."

Litchfield County forecast details via the National Weather Service:

"A major storm tracking northeast across the Great Lakes area will bring periods of rain to our area Thursday night and Friday. The heaviest rain will likely be on Friday, and this rain may be
associated with a surge of warm air and strong, gusty winds. Snow pack is significant over higher elevations from last weeks storm, with water equivalent values of 1 to 3 inches. Snow melt on Friday along with the potential for an inch or more of rain may cause rises on area rivers and streams. Much colder air will arrive quickly on Friday night, putting an abrupt end to the thaw."