The Worst Of This Powerful Storm Moves In Now: CT Weather

Meteorologists often receive criticism when forecasts are seemingly botched but in this specific case they were spot on when they forecast a powerful storm that could drop up to four inches of rain in parts of Connecticut leading to flooding concerns.

Besides the heavy flooding rain, winds may gust in excess of 40 mph and there may be thunderstorms today. More than 2,000 Connecticut residents are without power as of 7:30 a.m. Friday.

Many people are beginning to travel for Christmas today and here is a look at the timeline of today's very stormy weather.

Rain is pounding the state this morning and that continues into early afternoon. The rain begins to taper off late this afternoon and early evening.

"There will be a chance of a few thunderstorms with the possibility of some stronger wind gusts in any thunderstorms. A southerly wind will bring in warmer air as temperatures climb to near record levels, with highs primarily in the upper 50s and lower 60s," the National Weather Service says.

"The rain will taper off tonight from west to east, with some patchy fog developing late at night. Temperatures will turn cooler late as a cold front moves through, with lows mainly in the
middle and upper 40s. Mainly dry and breezy conditions will develop for Saturday, despite a good deal of cloud cover across the region. Temperatures will be cooler, but will still average
slightly above normal for this time of the year," the NWS says.

WTNH News 8 Meteorologist Gil Simmons says "...crazy rain expected through the day today! 1” to 4” of rain expected with gusty winds! The rain will let up after 3 to 4 PM today. Scattered showers tonight and early tomorrow. Drying out Saturday afternoon through Sunday. Some snow flurries Sunday night & early Monday morning. Dry weather for Christmas!

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Southern Connecticut weather watches and advisories for today via the NWS:

The Flood Watch continues through late tonight.

* An area of low pressure moving up the spine of the Appalachians will result in a widespread 2 to 3 inch rainfall across the region. Locally higher amounts around 4 inches are possible. Rainfall may be heavy at times.

The heavy rain will result in the potential for flooding of urban, low lying, and poor drainage areas. Minor river flooding is expected on fast responding streams. The Passaic River at
Pine Brook is forecast to go into moderate flooding tonight. In addition, flooding concerns could be exacerbated along the coast at times of high tide.

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EST THIS EVENING...

WINDS...Southeast 25 to 35 mph with gusts 40 to 45 mph. Gusts up to 50 mph possible along the immediate coast....

...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 11 AM EST FRIDAY for the coast of Fairfield and New Haven counties.

Widespread flooding of vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline. Expect 2 to locally 3 feet of inundation above ground level in low lying, vulnerable areas. This will 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. Vehicles parked in vulnerable areas near the waterfront will likely become flooded. Flooding will also extend inland from the
waterfront along tidal rivers and bays.

Northern Connecticut

..FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...

The Flood Watch continues for All of Southern New England, except the Cape and Islands.

* Periods of heavy rain late today will bring widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 3 inches, with as much as 4 inches in parts of western and central Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.

* Significant urban flooding of roads, underpasses, and low lying areas is expected. Roads that normally flood in heavy rain may require closures. Minor flooding of mainstem rivers
is possible.