Storm Impacts Rising For CT: 60 MPH Wind Gusts, Thunderstorms, Flooding Concerns

CONNECTICUT — A storm will pound Connecticut with heavy rain, strong wind gusts and potentially flooding conditions on Wednesday.

A high wind warning is in effect for Middlesex, New London and coastal sections of New Haven County from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. Wind gusts will be between 25-35 mph, with some gusts up to 60 mph, the National Weather Service said.

A wind advisory has been issued for Fairfield County and interior sections of New Haven County on Wednesday. "South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected."

A flood watch has been issued for Hartford, Tolland and Litchfield counties from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. Also, a wind advisory has been issued for Hartford and Tolland counties due to "15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected."

For Hartford and Tolland counties, a "widespread 2-3 inches of rain with localized amounts up to 4 inches of rain are possible later tonight into Wednesday night. The heaviest of the rain will be Wednesday into Wednesday night.

In Litchfield County, there is a chance of thunderstorms, isolated flash flooding and up to three inches of rain is possible.

More storm details for the entire state

On Wednesday, "Rain will be heavy at times, even accompanied by some thunder during the afternoon! Reduced visibility and ponding will be an issue during both commutes tomorrow," according to WFSB 3 TV meteorologists. "Some localized poor drainage flooding will be possible in areas that see repeated instances of heavy rain, especially if thunderstorms develop in the afternoon. The semi-frozen ground could also result in a bit more runoff compared to normal. Rainfall totals will end up in the 2-3″ range statewide, with some locally higher amounts possible!"

"Wind will also be an issue. Gusts could reach 30-45 mph across most of the state, but even stronger gusts are possible in southeastern CT! A high wind watch has been issued for coastal New London County as gusts could reach up to 60 mph. The strongest gusts will coincide with the frontal passage in the early to late afternoon. Unfortunately, that means power outages are possible, especially in SE CT," WFSB 3 TV meteorologists said. (Read/watch more at WFSB 3 TV).

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Eversource releases statement on storm preparedness

With high winds and heavy rain expected to impact Connecticut Wednesday into Thursday, Eversource is closely monitoring several weather forecast models and planning accordingly. The energy company is bringing in additional lineworkers to assist with power restoration. Crews are preparing equipment and vehicles and will be in position in advance of the storm so they can quickly respond when and where needed.

“The high winds expected with this storm have the potential to bring down trees and limbs onto electric lines and equipment causing outages and we’re planning accordingly,” said President of Eversource Connecticut Steve Sullivan. “We’ll have crews in position around the state with a heavy emphasis in the areas expecting the highest winds – so they’re ready to restore power as soon as it’s safe to do so.”

Customers are encouraged to also prepare for the storm by assembling or restocking a storm kit which should include essentials like flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable foods, any needed medications, pet food and other necessities. In addition, make sure cell phones and devices are fully charged, review or create an emergency plan with family members and prepare to check on elderly neighbors and friends.

Eversource reminds customers to always stay clear of downed wires – which includes keeping pets away – and to report them immediately to 9-1-1. Be sure to report any outage online at 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.

Here are the forecast updates for southern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:

Today: A 30 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Patchy fog before noon. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 49. Northeast wind 7 to 9 mph.

Tonight: Rain, mainly after midnight. Patchy fog between 10pm and midnight. Temperature rising to around 54 by 4am. East wind 8 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday: Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 63. Windy, with a south wind 11 to 16 mph increasing to 24 to 29 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Wednesday Night: Rain before 10pm, then a chance of showers between 10pm and 1am. Low around 36. West wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 40. West wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 36.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 42.

Sunday: A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47.

Here are the forecast updates for northern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:

Today: Patchy drizzle and fog. Cloudy, with a high near 39. Northeast wind 3 to 5 mph.

Tonight: Rain, mainly after 9pm. Patchy fog. Temperature rising to around 45 by 4am. Light and variable wind becoming northeast around 6 mph in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday: Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 63. Breezy, with a south wind 9 to 14 mph increasing to 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Wednesday Night: Rain and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then patchy drizzle after 5am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Patchy fog before 8pm. Low around 33. Breezy, with a south wind 18 to 23 mph becoming west 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Thursday: Patchy drizzle before 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 39. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 35. West wind around 6 mph.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 38. Light and variable wind.

Saturday Night: A chance of snow after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Light east wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. East wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Northeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.