New Details, Timeline Of 'Very Rough Weather' In CT

CONNECTICUT — The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for the entire state as gusts in excess of 65 mph are expected this afternoon and evening. The quick-moving but powerful storm will move in phases.

Rain is falling this morning and will fall heavily through early afternoon before tapering off to showers. Up to 2 inches of rain is expected across Connecticut.

Flooding will be a concern at the coast and then dangerous wind gusts that could cause power outages are expected this afternoon and evening. Both United Illuminating and Eversource said they are ready for this storm. Fine more on their preparations below.

"Expect widespread rain this morning, becoming more showery in nature this afternoon," the National Weather Service said. "Any rain could become moderate to locally heavy at times with a chance for thunderstorms. An isolated severe storm cannot be ruled out. Rainfall amounts are expected to range between 1 and 2 inches for most of the region, however locally higher amounts are possible. It will also become very windy, with wind gusts reaching 60 to 70 mph at the coast late this morning into the early afternoon."

WTNH News 8 Chief Meteorologist Gil Simmons said we can expect "very rough weather" today. He said wind will become strong around 11 a.m. and last until 6 p.m.

"I expect wind gusts between 55 mph and 65 mph with an isolated gust with any thunderstorms to 70 mph," Simmons wrote on social media. "Plan on power outages today, so keep your phone on a charger. Also, make sure your sump pump is plugged in. High tide will happen 2:45 PM to 4:45 PM and there will be some coastal flooding plus big waves crashing on the shore. Most of this will start winding down around 6 to 7 PM!"

Here are the latest weather statements:

Southern Fairfield-Southern New Haven-Southern Middlesex: A High Wind Warning is in effect until 6 p.m. A coastal flood advising is in effect from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. for this area.

"South winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected."

"Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Even sturdy and well secured tent structures could be damaged. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles."

"Minor to locally moderate coastal flooding and shoreline impacts during Monday afternoon high tide."

COASTAL FLOOD IMPACTS...Minor to locally moderate flooding is expected in the most vulnerable locations near the waterfront and shoreline. Expect around 1 to locally 2 feet of inundation above ground level in low lying, vulnerable areas. Localized areas of 2 to 2 1/2 ft of inundation are possible. Several roads and low lying property including parking lots, parks, lawns and homes/businesses with basements near the waterfront will experience shallow flooding. Vehicles parked in the most vulnerable areas near the waterfront may become flooded.

* SHORELINE IMPACTS...Breaking waves of 4 to 6 ft along the south shore of Connecticut will result in beach erosion and wave splashover onto shoreline roads and properties, with localized
damage to shoreline structures possible.

Northern Fairfield-Northern New Haven-Northern Middlesex: A High Wind Warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. "South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected."

"Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Even sturdy and well secured tent structures could be damaged. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles."

New London County: A High Wind Warning is in effect until 8 p.m. "South winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected."

Hartford CT-Tolland CT-Windham CT: A High Wind Warning is in effect from noon until 7 p.m.

"South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected."

"Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles."

And in Litchfield County a High Wind Warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. this evening. "South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected."

"Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles."

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Utilities ready for this storm

United Illuminating is preparing for a wind and rain storm forecast for Monday that could bring damaging winds capable of causing service interruptions. Current forecasts call for rain and thunderstorms starting Monday morning, with gusty winds picking up during the day that could reach 65 mph or higher — strong enough to bring trees and limbs down on power lines.

See also: Principal Suspended; Historic Eatery Ordered To Close: CT News

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UI reminds customers to avoid downed lines and to prepare for the possibility of service interruptions, potentially lasting a day or more. UI prepares for storms on an ongoing basis and is continuing its essential work to maintain safe and reliable service during the coronavirus pandemic.

UI line workers, contractors and other essential personnel are working under special protocols designed to separate and protect them. Customers are asked not to approach them when they are working, and to always maintain a safe social distance.

Due to the pandemic, UI has stepped up inspections and maintenance of electrical circuits that serve hospitals and other critical facilities in its territory. The company offers the following tips to help customers prepare and stay safe.

Before a Storm:

• Sign up for Outage Alerts. Text “REG” to 839-884 (TEXT-UI) to receive free text alerts if you lose service, and for restoration updates. Or, visit uinet.com for additional alert options.
• Keep long-lasting LED flashlights and lanterns on hand, along with a battery-operated radio, fresh batteries, drinking water, non-perishable foods and prescription medications.
• Fully charge mobile devices and store emergency contacts in memory.
• Fuel your vehicles and fill fuel tanks for generators.

Medical and Life Support Customers:

• Customers who rely on life-saving medical equipment should have a plan in case of a sudden or extended loss of service. UI medical and life-support customers should register in advance to ensure the company is aware of their needs. Call UI at 800.722.5584 (800.7.CALL.UI).

Generators:

• Do not use a generator that plugs into your home’s electrical system unless it was installed by a licensed electrician via a transfer switch. Improperly connected generators can back-feed electricity into the outside grid and pose a danger to the public and to crews working to restore service.
• Carefully read and observe the instructions in your generator’s operating manual.
• Properly ground all portable generators.
• Never run a generator indoors, in an open garage, or near a window.
• Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it’s running.

Report an Outage:

• To report an outage, visit uinet.com or call 800.722.5584 (800.7.CALL.UI). Customers can also report outages using UI’s new mobile app, available on the Apple Store and Google Play. Or, they can report outages via UI’s mobile alerts system: text “OUT” to 839-884 (TEXT-UI). Registration is required.

Eversource

As Eversource continues operating under its COVID-19 pandemic plan, the energy company is closely monitoring the powerful rain and wind storm expected to impact New England Monday. While adhering to its strict social distancing, hygiene and enhanced sanitation measures to safeguard the health and well-being of workers and customers, the energy company’s line and tree crews are ready to respond to any damage or outages caused by this storm.

“With many customers working remotely and students relying on technology for distance learning during this unprecedented time, we recognize how important it is to have reliable power,” said Eversource Vice President of Electric Operations Mike Hayhurst. “Working under the challenging conditions related to the pandemic, our crews are positioned around the state and ready to respond to any damage or outages caused by Monday’s storm. Our team will work around-the-clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible – yet some restorations may take longer as we work to ensure the safety of our employees and customers.”

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 www.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.