Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For CT On Friday

CONNECTICUT — The National Weather Service on Friday afternoon issued a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m. Friday for the entire state.

Strong thunderstorms are forecast to occur in the afternoon and evening hours. The weather service said any storms could include frequent lightning, hail and strong wind gusts.

Original post: CONNECTICUT — First, let's begin with some good weather news. The weekend looks almost perfect, with sunshine and temperatures into the mid 80s.

Before, we get to the excellent weather, we have to prepare for more thunderstorms on Friday, which has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a hazardous weather outlook for the entire state of Connecticut.

The best chance for stronger thunderstorms is in the afternoon and evening hours.

"...later this afternoon and evening, another round of rain with embedded thunderstorms will be possible as a cold front moves into the region. Any additional heavy rain could renew flooding concerns, the greatest risk will be across the western half of the state (closer to the New York border)," wrote WFSB 3 TV Chief Meteorologist Mark Dixon with Scot Haney. "Furthermore, the Storm Prediction Center’s outlook has most of the state in a level 1 risk for severe weather. Over western Connecticut, there is also the potential for rotating storms." (Watch the full WFSB 3 TV weather forecast here).

Latest updates via the National Weather Service:

Southern Connecticut: "A frontal system is expected to brings showers and thunderstorms to the region today. Locally heavy downpours may produce isolated to scattered areas of flash flooding. The Weather Prediction Center has a slight risk for excessive rainfall outlined for the lower Hudson Valley, northeast New Jersey, NYC, and southwest Connecticut, with a marginal risk elsewhere."

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Hartford/Tolland/Windham County: "A few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and early evening. The main threats are damaging winds, flash flooding and large hail."

Litchfield County: "Showers and scattered thunderstorms through mid morning. Brief heavy downpours and frequent lightning will be possible. There is a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. Isolated severe thunderstorms will be possible, which could produce localized damaging wind gusts and large hail. In addition, locally heavy rainfall is possible and could result in minor flooding....There is another chance for thunderstorms for Monday and Tuesday, mainly during the afternoon hours."

Extended forecast details for southern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:

Today: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Southeast wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. West wind 6 to 8 mph.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Extended forecast details for northern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:

Today: Showers before 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 4pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. High near 82. South wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely before midnight, then a slight chance of showers between midnight and 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 86. West wind 5 to 7 mph.