New Details, Timeline Released As Powerful Storm Hits CT Today: What To Know

CONNECTICUT — A powerful storm has begun to impact Connecticut's weather Tuesday afternoon bringing rain and some snow to the state.

The storm should exit the state Wednesday morning, but before it departs, Connecticut could see up to 4 inches of rain, flooding issues, up to 70 mph wind gusts, thunderstorms, and widespread power outages.

"Rain becomes likely through the afternoon hours (at the onset, over the higher terrain of northern CT, a wintry mix is possible before going over to rain)," said WFSB 3 TV chief meteorologist Mark Dixon with Scot Haney. "During the evening hours, the intensity of the rain and wind increase. The peak of the storm comes tonight. Rain will not only be heavy, but rumbles of thunder can’t be ruled out."

"With the heavy rain coming atop the snow from Winter Storm Aspen, the Weather Prediction Center is already highlighting all of Connecticut for potential flooding (level 3 risk)," Dixon and Haney said. "The worst of the storm is behind us by tomorrow morning. Temperatures start predawn in the 50s, then trend cooler… into 40s by the afternoon as the wind shifts to the west. While breezy, it won’t be *as* windy. We’re expecting gusts 25-35 mph through the rest of the day tomorrow. While we’ll see at least partial clearing, an isolated rain or snow shower will be possible." (Read/watch more at WFSB 3 TV).

Here are all the weather advisories, watches and warnings as posted by the National Weather Service:

Southern Connecticut:

A flood watch remains in effect from Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon.

"A major storm system will impact the area tonight into Wednesday with heavy rainfall likely. Rainfall amounts of 2.25 to 3.5 inches are forecast with localized higher amounts possible during this time. This combined with a snowpack across portions of the watch area along with saturated grounds will lead to rapid runoff into area rivers and streams.

Flood warning

A flood warning is in effect from late tonight until further notice.

Where: Housatonic River at Stevenson Dam.

IMPACTS...At 15.0 feet, moderate flood stage with numerous homes in the Maples area of Shelton affected.

At 2:30 PM EST Tuesday the stage was 8.7 feet.
Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage just after midnight tonight and continue rising to a crest of 15.3 feet early tomorrow afternoon.
Flood stage is 11.0 feet.

Coastal sections of Fairfield/New Haven County:

A coastal flood advisory remains in effect from 7 p.m. Tuesday to noon Wednesday.

"Peak surge of 4 to 5 ft will likely be between times of high tide this evening and Wednesday morning. The timing of an offshore windshift before the time of high tide Wednesday morning should keep water levels below moderate flood levels, but will exacerbate riverine flooding along
tidal reaches of southern CT and Westchester Rivers. In addition, heavy rain during this evening high tide will likely exacerbate urban and poor drainage flood issues for coastal and shoreline roads.

Coastal sections of Middlesex/New London County:

A coastal flood warning is in effect from 6 a.m. until noon on Wednesday.

"Peak surge of 4 to 5 ft will likely be between times of high tide this evening and Wednesday morning."

New London County, and coastal sections of Fairfield/New Haven and Middlesex County:

A high wind warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday. "Southeast winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 to 65 mph expected. Isolated gusts up to 70 mph possible."

Inland sections of Fairfield, New Haven and Middlesex County:

A wind advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday. "Southeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected."

Hartford/Tolland/Windham County:

A flood watch is in effect from Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon. "Excessive rainfall of between two and three inches, with locally higher amounts up to four inches, falling tonight into Wednesday morning in combination with snowmelt may result in rapid stream and river rises. Snow clogged drains may also contribute to the flood risk in poor drainage and urban areas."

A wind advisory is in effect from 5 p.m. Tuesday to 1 p.m. Wednesday. "Southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected."

Litchfield County:

A flood watch is in effect from Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon. "Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall and snow melt may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Higher than normal tidal flooding is expected along the Hudson River and its tributaries from around Poughkeepsie to Kingston in areas vulnerable to tidal flooding."

A wind advisory is in effect from 4 p.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Wednesday. "Southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected."