New Details, Timeline On Powerful Storm Released For CT: Here's What To Know

CONNECTICUT — In a Friday afternoon update, the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the state of Connecticut beginning Sunday afternoon through late Sunday.

"Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible, the weather service said. "...Around 2 inches of rainfall is likely, with locally higher amounts in excess of 3 inches possible."

The rain is expected to begin around sunset Sunday and be heavy Sunday night before tapering off early Monday.

Original post: CONNECTICUT — The weekend forecast more resembles a spring forecast as opposed to an early December one.

We'll see temperatures into the mid 50s on Saturday and 60 degree readings on Sunday, followed by a driving rainstorm, 40 mph wind gusts and possibly thunderstorms.

WFSB 3 TV Chief Meteorologist Mark Dixon said the state should remain dry through Sunday afternoon and then the powerful storm arrives.

"Our latest thoughts are for wind and rain to ramp up toward/after sunset," Dixon said. "The heaviest rain and strongest wind will occur at night, in advance of a cold front, with gusts to exceed 40mph. The wind direction, initially out of the south will transport near 60° warmth into the state."

"Something else we’ll be watching: the timing of the strongest wind and the high tide cycle," Dixon said. "If in tandem, there will be an increased likelihood for coastal flooding. It all begins to wind down toward daybreak Monday, with the passage of the cold front. By the time all is said and done, 1.5-2.5″ of rain could fall (with perhaps locally higher amounts)." (Read/watch more at WFSB 3 TV).

The National Weather Service said the storm "will bring moderate to heavy rainfall and strong wind gusts late Sunday afternoon into early Monday morning. Minor to locally moderate coastal flooding impacts are possible with the Monday morning high tidal cycle as well."

The weather service said most of the rain, up to 2 inches, "will fall over a 12 hr period late Sunday into early Monday morning, before tapering off Monday morning." Additionally, wind gusts up to 50 mph are possible along the coast, according to the weather service.

"A few trees and power lines, and scattered tree limbs could be downed. Power outages possible," the weather service said.

Eversource officials say they are closely monitoring several weather forecasts and planning accordingly. The energy company is bringing in outside crews 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 combination of soaking rain and strong winds can more easily bring down trees and tree limbs onto power lines and equipment causing outages, so we’re taking all necessary actions now to ensure our team is ready to respond,” said President of Eversource Connecticut Steve Sullivan, via a prepared statement. “We’ll have crews prepositioned at our work centers throughout the state before the storm hits so they can immediately get to any damage locations and restore power as quickly as possible.”

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, pet food and essentials and any needed medications. In addition, make sure cell phones and devices are fully charged, 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 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.

See also: Local Official Under Probe For Reporting 73 Marriage Licenses To Feds

• Former Town Official Sentenced In Animal Cruelty Case: Report
• Massive Project Approved For Former Subway Headquarters Site

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

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. East wind around 6 mph.

Sunday: Showers, mainly after 2pm. High near 60. Light south wind increasing to 8 to 13 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday Night: Showers. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 46. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Monday: Showers, mainly before 8am. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 50. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

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

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. Light and variable wind.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday: Showers likely, mainly after 2pm. Patchy fog between 2pm and 4pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. Breezy, with a south wind 6 to 11 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday Night: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 10pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Patchy fog. Low around 45. Windy, with a south wind 25 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Monday: Showers, mainly before noon. Patchy fog before noon. High near 47. Breezy, with a west wind 20 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.