Thunderstorms May Spark Hail, Gusty Winds, Heavy Rain In Northern CT

HARTFORD/TOLLAND COUNTY, CT — The National Weather Service said there is a chance for thunderstorms that may produce "small hail, gusty winds, and heavy rain" on Tuesday for northern sections of the state.

Up to an inch of rain may fall. WFSB 3 TV meteorologists Mark Dixon with Scot Haney said, "Our first round of storms that could be strong to severe, are expected between now and 9am this morning. With warm fronts, we have to watch for rotation that could lead to brief tornadoes.

"Thereafter, we could see partial clearing and with enough sunshine, temperatures peak near/above 80 during the afternoon hours. Another round of storms will be possible this afternoon between 2 to 7pm. The warmer it gets, the greater the instability for the second round as a cold front moves into the state (conversely, if we stay cloudier, a lesser threat for storms to be strong to severe).

"Overall, the main concerns with any that develop will be damaging wind gusts, also heavy rain that could lead to poor drainage flooding. Within the region, an isolated tornado can’t be ruled out," Dixon and Haney said. (Watch the WFSB 3 TV weather forecast here).

See also: New Plans For Former Hometown Buffet Site Revealed

• Bear Crashes 2-Year-Old’s Birthday Party: WATCH
• Rug Found In River Was From A Kayaker, Not A Killer, Police Say

Current traffic conditions:

E. HARTFORD - Delays. I-84 Westbound is congested between Exits 54 and 50 (0.7 miles). Reported Tuesday, September 13 at 7:25 am.

WINDSOR - Delays. I-91 Southbound is congested between Exits 35A and 32 (2.9 miles). Reported Tuesday, September 13 at 7:25 am.

E. HARTFORD - Delays. RT2 Westbound is congested between Exits 4 and 2W (0.5 miles). Reported Tuesday, September 13 at 7:15 am.

THOMASTON - Road Work on RT8 Southbound between Exits 38 and 37 (3.5 miles) in effect today until 4:05 pm. The left lane is closed. Reported Tuesday, September 13 at 8:05 am.

Hartford County:

Today: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Some of the storms could produce small hail, gusty winds, and heavy rain. Areas of fog between 9am and 11am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Some of the storms could produce small hail and gusty winds. Mostly cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 58. West wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tolland County:

Today: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 5pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Some of the storms could produce small hail, gusty winds, and heavy rain. High near 74. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers between 8pm and 9pm. Mostly cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 56. West wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.