CT Weather: Severe Thunderstorm Watch For Northern CT

Today is going to be a very eventful weather day across Connecticut. Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening, which may result in flash flooding concerns. The storms will be accompanied by strong wind gusts and heavy downpours. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Northern Connecticut.

For Fairfield, New Haven and northern sections of Middlesex counties, a Flash Flood Watch is in effect from noon through this evening.

"A slow moving frontal system will bring numerous showers and thunderstorms to the region this afternoon into this evening. Any thunderstorms will have the potential to bring torrential downpours with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. These types of rainfall rates will cause urban and poor drainage flooding, with potential for flash flooding in areas affected by multiple successive thunderstorms. Additionally, rapid water level rises can occur on flashy small rivers and streams in basins affected by this activity.

For all of Southern Connecticut a Hazardous Weather Outlook has been issued for "A few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon into early evening, with strong to damaging wind gusts and torrential downpours the main threat."

In Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties a Heavy Advisory and a Flash Flood Watch are in effect from noon until this evening. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is also in effect until this evening.

"A cold front moving into the very warm and moist air over southern New England is expected to trigger a line of strong and potentially severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. The greatest threat is in northern and western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.

Thunderstorms are forecast to develop in northwestern Massachusetts around 11 AM, then form into a line during the early afternoon as they cross western and central Massachusetts and northern
Connecticut. The line is forecast to weaken as it approaches the Boston to Providence corridor late in the afternoon or in the early evening.

The potential exists for damaging winds, in excess of 60 mph, with the strongest storms. Torrential downpours and frequent, dangerous cloud to ground lightning will also accompany the storms. A few
storms may also produce large hail, but the greatest threat is expected to be damaging wind.

Any storms will be capable of producing 1 to 2 inches of rain in less than an hour. The potential exists for a few areas to receive repeat thunderstorms, in which case one cannot rule out an isolated 4 or 5 inch rainfall total. The greatest risk is in northern Connecticut and central Massachusetts, including the Hartford, Springfield, and Worcester metro areas.

The potential exists for both urban flash flooding and for flash flooding of small streams in southern New England.

Litchfield County: Flash Flood Watch is in effect.

From noon EDT today through this evening.

* Numerous showers and thunderstorms will move across western New England, in advance of a cold front. With a very moist air mass in place, thunderstorms will be capable of producing very heavy rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. This will increase the potential for flash flooding of mainly urban and poor drainage areas for this afternoon.

Simmons says the worst of the weather is expected between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. today in Connecticut.

A detailed look at the stormy forecast for Southern CT:

Today
Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. High near 85. South wind 7 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 11pm and 2am, then a slight chance of showers after 2am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 67. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

A detailed look at the stormy weather forecast for Northern CT:

Today
Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. High near 89. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2am. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Low around 68. South wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.