Enhanced Threat Of Severe Weather In Connecticut Thursday

CONNECTICUT — We definitely don't need or want this, especially after the damage left behind Tropical Storm Isaias earlier this month.

It appears there is a good chance of Connecticut seeing severe weather Thursday, especially in the afternoon and evening hours. Besides strong-to-severe thunderstorms, we may also see large hail, damaging wind gusts and an isolated tornado.

The National Weather Service's storm prediction center said all of southern Connecticut is at an "enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms Thursday afternoon into Thursday evening."

"Severe thunderstorms are likely with damaging wind gusts of 60 mph or higher, along with large hail as the primary threats. An isolated tornado is also possible," the weather service said of southern Connecticut. "Thunderstorms that develop will be rather quick moving with damaging wind gusts likely. And with large CAPE values large hail is also possible with the storms. And finally some storms will be rotating as helicity increases and a tornado can not be ruled out."

For northern parts of the state, the weather service said there may be some showers and a thunderstorm Thursday morning.

In the afternoon hours in northern Connecticut, "A high end severe weather event is possible with damaging wind and large hail. Warm fronts are always dangerous in these environments as they provide a source for enhanced low level shear so a tornado or two is also possible....The greatest risk appears to be in northern CT and SW MA where HREF is suggesting robust updraft helicity probs. This severe threat is conditional on the warm sector airmass where instability can be realized."

Local forecasters react to Thursday's severe weather chance

NBC Connecticut Chief Meteorologist Ryan Hanrahan said there is an "elevated risk for tornadoes tomorrow and damaging winds ... in any storms that form. Stay weather aware tomorrow afternoon." He said there is also a chance for "some very powerful thunderstorms."

WTNH News 8 Chief Meteorologist Gil Simmons said "We have severe weather in the forecast for tomorrow! You’re going to need to check in! Some damaging wind gusts and the risk of a tornado possible tomorrow!"

Fox 61 Chief Meteorologist Rachel Frank said "We’re still concerned about an active severe weather day Thursday PM/Eve. There is a tornado threat to watch along with the potential for damaging winds, hail and vivid lightning. CT doesn’t get placed in the “enhanced” risk area very often!"

See also: 'Non-Negotiable' Reopen Terms From CT 'Frontline' Teachers, Staff

• Community Mourning Beloved Teacher and Coach
• CT Drops 5 States, Adds One To Covid-19 Travel Quarantine
• Old Farmer's Almanac Winter 2020-21 Predictions For Connecticut

Here are the forecast details for southern Connecticut:

Today
Sunny, with a high near 77. West wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Tonight
Increasing clouds, with a low around 63. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light after midnight.

Thursday
A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Southwest wind 5 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 9pm. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 71. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph.

Friday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82.

Saturday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.

Here are the forecast details for northern Connecticut:

Today
Sunny, with a high near 76. Northwest wind 10 to 13 mph.

Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light west after midnight.

Thursday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 10pm. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. West wind 5 to 9 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming northwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday
Showers, mainly after 10am. High near 82. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Saturday Night
Showers, mainly before 11pm. Low around 66. Southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.