Tropical Storm Warning For Connecticut As Isaias Approaches

CONNECTICUT — With less than 24 hours until Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to cross into Connecticut, the entire state is now under either a tropical storm warning.

A warning was initially issued for the coast of southern Connecticut, while inland sections of southern Connecticut and all of northern Connecticut were under a watch. At 11 a.m. the weather service increased all of Connecticut to a warning status.

Isaias was about 800 miles south-southwest of New York City Monday morning and had winds of 70 mph. The storm is moving at 9 mph and will continue tracking northeast Monday night over eastern North Carolina.

"Isaias will slowly weaken as it accelerates northeast on Tuesday, likely moving over our area Tuesday afternoon and evening," the weather service said. "The main threats with this system involve heavy rainfall, strong winds, minor to moderate coastal flooding, along with high surf and dangerous rip currents."

For southern Connecticut, 2 to 4 inches of rain is forecast, with some areas receiving up to 6 inches of rain.

"The strongest winds are likely to occur across Long Island, coastal Connecticut, and the New York City Metro," the weather service said. "Dangerous marine conditions are likely across all of the coastal waters Tuesday and Tuesday night. High surf and dangerous rip currents are expected along the ocean beaches Monday through Wednesday.

"The effects from Tropical Storm Isaias are expected to diminish quickly from southwest to northeast across the area Tuesday night into Wednesday morning."

At the coast, 40-50 mph winds with gusts up to 65 mph on Tuesday afternoon until early Wednesday morning are expected. Tornados are also possible.

Northern Connecticut details

Tropical storm-force winds are possible, with sustained winds of 30-40 mph and gusts up to 55 mph. A total of 2 to 4 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts, and tornadoes are also possible.

"Most of the storm`s impacts will occur during about a 6-hour period early Tuesday night," the weather service said. "Strong southerly winds gusting to 40 to 60 mph may be capable of downing some trees and power lines. There is also the possibility of an isolated tornado. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected, with the higher totals closer to the Berkshires, where minor urban or poor drainage flooding may occur. It`s possible that parts of Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts receive less than one inch of rain."

WTNH News 8 Chief Meteorologist Gil Simmons said, "Quiet weather all day today with hot temperatures and highs between 88° and 92°. Today is a good day to prepare for the tropical storm heading our way. We have tropical storm watches and warnings up for Connecticut! Some rain at times tonight and tomorrow. The heaviest rain has shifted away from Connecticut into New York State. We will have some rain here. The wind will be stronger now with gusts between 35 mph and 55 mph state wide. We could have some power outages. Also there will be big waves with a higher than usual tide at the shoreline."

See also: Suspected Tornado Touches Down In Connecticut, Video Shows

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