BREAKING: Joaquin Becomes a Hurricane; Expected to Impact Connecticut

Tropical Storm Joaquin has been upgraded to a category 1 hurricane Wednesday morning, and there still remains divided feelings on whether the tropical system will

make its way toward Connecticut.

But even if it doesn’t take a direct route to Connecticut its impact will likely be felt all weekend.

“It could be a significant situation,” said Brian Fortier, senior meteorologist at The Weather Channel, via NBC Connecticut on Wednesday morning. “Everyone along the Northeast coast, right up to New England, should keep a close eye on the forecasts.”

Rain is in the daily forecast through Tuesday now. Some days it will be light showers and others it will be a soaking rain, especially on Friday and Friday night.

Flooding is also a major concern. There is a “Flood Watch” in effect for all of Hartford and Tolland counties until Thursday morning. The northern part of the state has been hit hardest by the initial rain storm, and could see between 2-4 inches of total rain by Thursday, the National Weather Service writes.

However, Hartford and Tolland counties may receive significantly less rain over the weekend because they are farthest removed from the potential path of the tropical system.

For southern Connecticut, including Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, and New London counties, we can expect a half inch of rain today, followed by another half inch during the day on Thursday.

Rains intensify Thursday night, another three quarters of an inch of rain, and possibly up to 2 inches of rain on Friday. Projected rainfall accumulations for the weekend have not been made as of yet.

In northern Connecticut, the bulk of the heaviest rain is today and into Thursday, and there is a 50 percent chance of rain all weekend, depending on how close the tropical system treks toward the area.

We’ll continue to update this weather situation.

Photo credit: Accuweather.com