Power Outages, Flooding Concerns Rise As Major Storm To Hit CT Thursday/Friday

CONNECTICUT — The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for all of Connecticut, and a flood warning has been issued for coastal sections of southern Connecticut. Additionally, a flood watch is in effect for Litchfield County.

The powerful storm will move into Connecticut on Thursday evening, and the rain is at its heaviest in the overnight and early morning hours of Friday. A total of 2-3 inches of rain is possible. Wind gusts reaching 60 mph are also possible on Friday too.

Connecticut could even see a thunderstorm Friday afternoon. Temperatures will rise to nearly 60 degrees early Friday and then drop to the low teens at night. The holiday weekend is dry but freezing cold, with temperatures only into the 20s. A flash freeze is a concern late Friday and Saturday morning.

AccuWeather.com says travel conditions are forecast to be poor on Friday.

Here are the latest weather statements based on where you are via the National Weather Service

Southern Connecticut forecast details:

A wind advisory is in effect from 10 p.m. Thursday to 10 p.m. Friday...South winds 20 to 30 mph. A low potential exists for a brief period of gusts up to 60 mph associated with the cold frontal passage on Friday. This will continue to be refined over the next 24-36 hours.

Coastal sections of southern Connecticut

A coastal flood warning is in effect from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Friday. "One to two and a half feet, locally three feet of inundation above ground level expected in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline....Widespread moderate to localized major flooding of vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline is becoming likely, with 1 to 2 1/2 feet, locally 3 ft, of inundation above ground level in low lying, vulnerable areas.

"This would result in numerous road closures and cause widespread flooding of low lying property including parking lots, parks, lawns and homes/businesses with basements near the waterfront. A
few buildings and homes near the waterfront could experience flooding. Vehicles parked in vulnerable areas near the waterfront will likely become flooded. Flooding could also
extend inland from the waterfront along tidal rivers and bays.

"The potential for locally major flooding on Friday morning will depend on the direction and strength of winds through the time of high tide. This will be refined over the next 24 hours.

Northern Connecticut forecast details:

A wind advisory is in effect from 1 a.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday. "South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result."

Litchfield County forecast details:

A flood watch is in effect from Friday morning through Saturday morning. "Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks."

A wind advisory is in effect from 1 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday. "Southeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph possible...Strong southeast winds are expected late Thursday night into Friday morning, shifting into the west southwest behind a cold front Friday afternoon.

Statement by Eversource on potential power outages

"With heavy rain and high winds expected to impact Connecticut leading into the Christmas holiday weekend, Eversource is closely monitoring several weather forecasts and planning accordingly. The combination of soaking rain and strong winds can more easily bring down trees and tree limbs onto power lines and equipment causing outages. The energy company’s line and tree crews are preparing equipment and vehicles so they can quickly respond when and where needed. Eversource is also bringing in hundreds of outside crews in addition to the regular complement of contractors to assist with restoring power if needed. Eversource is also collaborating with leaders in all of the communities it serves and will activate its Municipal Hub to ensure close coordination during and after the storm. The hub allows community leaders to report blocked roads and outages at critical facilities to the energy company.

“We recognize the timing of this storm, right before Christmas, is less than ideal and we’re taking all necessary actions now so our team is ready to respond to whatever this storm may bring,” said President of Eversource Connecticut Steve Sullivan. “We’ll have crews prepositioned at our work centers throughout the state before the storm hits so they can immediately get to any damage locations and restore power as quickly as possible. Our employees who work in the field and behind the scenes are ready to give up their holiday time off to ensure our customers can enjoy their Christmas weekend.”

"Customers are encouraged to also prepare for the storm by assembling or restocking a storm kit which should include essentials like flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable foods, pet food and essentials and any needed medications. In addition, make sure cell phones and devices are fully charged, create an emergency plan with family members and prepare to check on elderly neighbors and friends.

"Eversource reminds customers to always stay clear of downed wires and to report them immediately to 9-1-1. Be sure to report any outage online at Eversource.com, or by calling 800-286-2000. Customers who signed up for the company’s two-way texting feature can send a text to report an outage and receive outage updates as they happen.

"As this storm is expected to deliver heavy rains, Eversource also reminds customers flooding can cause damage to a home furnace or other natural gas appliances and some natural gas heating systems may be affected in the event of a power interruption. If flooding is severe, natural gas appliances should not be used until inspected by a licensed plumber or contractor. Once that is completed, Eversource can turn gas service back on and safely relight appliances."