WEATHER UPDATE: National Weather Service Issues Special Weather Statement for Connecticut

By Brian McCready (Patch Staff)

The National Weather Service has issued a “Special Weather Statement” for the entire state of Connecticut for tonight because of strong winds.

As of 8 p.m. more than 10,000 resdients are without power.

For Fairfield, New Haven, New London, and Middlesex counties strong winds are predicted through this evening.

The National Weather Service writes:

“Strong northwest winds of 25 to 30 mph with occasional gusts of 45 to 55 mph will continue until around 10 p.m. this evening following the passage of the earlier cold front. These wind gusts might down tree limbs causing scattered power outages and knock over unsecured outdoor items. Take extra caution while driving high profile vehicles…”

For Hartford and Tolland counties wind gusts could exceed 50 to 60 mph according to the National Weather Service, while adding isolated power outages and even a few road closures are possible.

“Please use caution is headed out this evening,” the weather service writes.

Of the 10,372 power outages reported as of 8 p.m., West Hartford had 523, Canton, 280, Rocky Hill, 272, Simsbury, 259, Windsor, 161, Greenwich, 206, Southington, 112, and Stamford, 113.

A loose power line closed Buckland Road at Route 30 in South Windsor during the late afternoon.

Those traveling today and tomorrow should be wary of fallen trees and power lines caused by high winds.

The National Weather Service has also issued a wind advisory that will last from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday in Tolland and Hartford counties.

Gusts can reach up to 45 mph during that time, according to the NWS. Sustained winds will be between 20 to 30 mph.