Tropical Storm Warning Issued For Fairfield As Henri Approaches

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield officials are warning residents of dangerous wind and flooding as Tropical Storm Henri nears the Connecticut coast.

The town is under a tropical storm warning, storm surge warning, hazardous weather outlook and hurricane local statement, according to the National Weather Service, which said Henri is expected to cause the greatest impact between early Sunday morning and Sunday evening.

“Our Emergency Management team continues to watch the forecast and is making preparations ahead of storm Henri's arrival,” according to a Facebook post from the Fairfield Fire Department. “We urge all residents to keep a close eye on the forecast and begin to make your emergency plans in case Henri's track moves closer to Fairfield.”

Gov. Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency Friday in advance of the storm.

In a town advisory, officials noted winds may cause tree and wire damage, and scattered power outages. Residents were advised to check generators and flashlights, and to remove objects in yards that could fly away.

With flooding also possible, Fairfielders were instructed to clean out gutters and drainage grates, and, for residents near the coast, to move vehicles to higher ground. Parking will be available Saturday and Sunday at Veterans Park.

Showers and thunderstorms are possible Friday night and Saturday, but are expected to pick up overnight Saturday into Sunday, with rain, potentially heavy downpour, likely Sunday, and up to 2 inches in the forecast, according to the weather service. Showers may continue Monday.

Hurricane conditions are expected across Long Island and southern Connecticut, with the potential for wind speeds up to 73 mph. The storm could lead to building damage, uprooted trees, impassable roads, and surges up to 4 feet. The effects could be life-threatening and prompt evacuations and rescues, according to the weather service.

For updated information, visit www.fairfieldct.org/storm. To view Fairfield’s hurricane evacuation map, go to bit.ly/3z5R0yT.