Tornado Watch Issued For Southern CT As Isaias Arrives Tuesday

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT — The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for all of southern Connecticut up until 4 p.m. Tuesday.

As of 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, the wind is beginning to pick up and some spotty rain showers are falling. Just to the west of us in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, it is pouring rain but Connecticut is expected to miss out on the heaviest rain, which we could definitely use.

Tropical Storm Isaias is 160 miles southwest of New York City and will reach the western part of Connecticut around 4:30 p.m. The storm is moving at a very fast rate and Connecticut is expected to see some of the strongest wind gusts, which could lead to power outages.

See also: CT Power Outages Town-By-Town List: 21,000+ Outages Reported

There are more than 21,000 power outages as the tropical storm moves in to Connecticut.

In a noon update, the National Weather Service said, "The main threats with this system include strong winds, heavy rainfall, minor to moderate coastal flooding, as well as high surf and dangerous rip currents. In addition, a few tornadoes are possible through this afternoon.

"Locally heavy rainfall is expected, with the heaviest rain expected across portions of northeast New Jersey and the Lower Hudson Valley. A widespread 1 to 3 inches of rain is possible for these locations, with localized amounts up to 5 inches possible. Farther east, rainfall amounts will average around 1 inch, with localized amounts up to 2 inches possible.

"The strongest winds are likely to occur this afternoon across New York City Metro, Long Island, northeast New Jersey, southern portions of the Lower Hudson Valley, and southern Connecticut.

"Dangerous marine conditions are likely across all of the coastal waters today and tonight. High surf and dangerous rip currents are expected to continue along the ocean beaches today through Wednesday. The effects from Tropical Storm Isaias are expected to diminish quickly from southwest to northeast across the area tonight."

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A coastal flood warning is in effect for the entire coast from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. Wednesday:

"One to two feet of inundation above ground level is likely in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline, with potentially locally 2 to 3 ft of inundation in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline."

"There is still uncertainty on when the peak surge arrives. This forecast is based on a worst case scenario, with a 2-3 ft surge coming in at the time of high tide Tuesday Night. If the surge peaks earlier, then water levels and inundation will be less than forecast."

Flash flooding possible in inland sections of Fairfield and New Haven County:

"Tropical Storm Isaias will track through the area today. A total of 1 to 3 inches of rain will be possible with locally higher amounts of up to 5 inches. Torrential downpours with multiple rounds of heavy showers will allow for excessive runoff and therefore would cause flash flooding in low lying, urban and poor drainage areas. Some rivers and streams across the path of the heavier rainfall axis could experience minor to moderate rises resulting in possible road closures and inundation of structures near the streams."

See also: CT Schools Reopening Plans Addressed By Dr. Fauci

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