Powerful Storm To Bring Severe Impacts To CT: Here's What You Need To Know

CONNECTICUT — There is no rest for us when it comes to big weather events, as a major storm will be arriving Tuesday night for Connecticut.

And this powerful storm will bring between 2–4 inches of rain, a flood watch has already been issued for the entire state, and wind gusts in excess of 50 mph are possible, according to the National Weather Service.

The storm is forecast to impact our weather late Tuesday and into early Wednesday morning. Some snowflakes may mix in on Tuesday afternoon, but no snow accumulation is forecast.

"Potential for flash flooding Tuesday night in urban and poor drainage areas," the weather service said. "...Widespread moderate flooding (inundation 2 to 3 ft above ground) potential with the Wednesday morning high tide."

The rain is forecast to develop during the afternoon hours on Tuesday, with temperatures climbing into the mid 50s by early Wednesday. Thunderstorms are also possible with this storm. The rain should be quick-moving and the storm should end Wednesday morning. Temperatures will free-fall throughout Wednesday afternoon, and wind gusts in excess of 30 mph are also forecast.

Eversource officials said they have brought in outside crews to work alongside Eversource lineworkers. Hundreds of line and tree crews will be prepositioned around the state in advance of the storm so they can quickly respond to any damage or power outages caused by the weather, officials said.

“With the melting snow from the weekend snowstorm and the heavy rains we’re expecting with this next storm, the ground will be heavily saturated, and that combined with the forecasted strong winds can bring down trees and limbs onto power lines and equipment, causing outages,” said Eversource President of Electric Operations in Connecticut Steve Sullivan. “This storm has a similar profile to the one we had three weeks ago that caused significant tree damage and outages, but this time we also have roadside snow piles that complicate the work for our crews.”

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, create an emergency plan with family members and prepare to check on elderly neighbors and friends.

We stay dry Thursday and Friday before more rain arrives early Saturday.

Here are the storm forecast details from the National Weather Service:

Southern Connecticut:

A flood watch is in effect from Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon.

"A strong storm system will impact the area Tuesday night into Wednesday with the likelihood of heavy rainfall. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 3 inches with localized higher amounts are 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. There will be potential for widespread flooding."

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Forecast details:

Tuesday: Rain and snow likely between noon and 4pm, then rain. High near 46. Wind chill values between 20 and 30 early. Calm wind becoming east 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tuesday Night: Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 1am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Temperature rising to around 54 by 3am. Breezy, with a southeast wind 18 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of rain before 1pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a temperature falling to around 43 by 5pm. Southwest wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Northern Connecticut:

A flood watch is in effect from Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon.

"Excessive rainfall of between two (to) three inches falling Tuesday Night 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."

Forecast details:

Tuesday: A chance of snow between 1pm and 4pm, then rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 49. Calm wind becoming east 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tuesday Night: Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 4am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 38. Windy, with an east wind 11 to 16 mph increasing to 24 to 29 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.

Wednesday: Rain and possibly a thunderstorm before 10am, then a chance of rain. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 53. Breezy, with a southwest wind 17 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

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."

Forecast details:

Tuesday: A chance of snow before 3pm, then a chance of rain and snow between 3pm and 4pm, then rain likely after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 37. Light east wind increasing to 8 to 13 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday Night: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 36. Windy, with a southeast wind 20 to 25 mph increasing to 26 to 31 mph in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 49 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.

Wednesday: A chance of rain, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 49. Breezy, with a southwest wind 18 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.