Weathering Storm Isaias Headed Our Way: What To Know Now

BRANFORD, CT — With Tropical Storm Isaias threatening forecasted to once again become hurricane as it approaches the Carolina's, Branford is under a tropical storm watch with conditions beginning to deteriorate beginning early Tuesday with the worst of the weather expected Tuesday evening and night.

After landfall, Isaias is forecasted to weaken to a Tropical Storm and move quickly up the coast during the day on Tuesday with its center expected to reach southwestern Connecticut at around 6 p.m. Tuesday, but tropical storm-force winds are expected to arrive a few hours sooner, at around 3 p.m. The forecast calls for sustained winds of 45 – 55 MPH and gusts in the 55 - 65 MPH range Tuesday afternoon and evening.

The town is sharing preparedness and readiness information as it monitors the storm, the impacts of which are likely from strong winds. Town officials said that, "based on the current National Hurricane Center forecast," Branford can expect trees and powerlines to be most impacted. The storm will also likely be accompanied by some heavy rain of 2” – 4”, albeit in the westeran part of the state, but, minor to moderate coastal flooding is also possible around midnight which may inundate some low-lying coastal roads and a few structures. Minor to moderate urban flooding is expected.

What to do to prepare, Branford

• Sign up to receive Community Messages by email, Click the black “create account” button
• Sign up to receive Emergency Messages or update your contact information from CT Alert
• Predetermine where you would evacuate if it should become necessary. Due to COVID-19 it is best to shelter with family or in a hotel, congregate sheltering should be your last resort.
• Check on elderly neighbors or other vulnerable community members who may need assistance.
• Pay attention to local weather forecasts and bulletins issued by the National Weather Service on local radio stations.
• To prepare for a possible power outage, make sure cell phone batteries are charged, gather supplies, and turn refrigerators and freezers to a colder setting.
• If you are a property owner, builder, contractor, and/or crane operator, secure your construction site(s), building(s), and equipment.
• Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys.
• Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.
• Close up and secure patio umbrellas.
• Prepare your home and family, review your emergency plans, test your generator and other similar activities. You can find additional information here:
  • Ready.GOV- Emergency Kit
  • Ready.gov- Prepare for Hurricanes
  • American Red Cross Hurricane Prep
  • Preparing your home for disaster

What to do if power goes out

Many may not realize that if you don't tell the electric company you're power is out, in most cases, they do not know. So make sure to jot down the number to call should the lights go out. Meanwhile, Eversource says it's ready.