MODERATELY STRONG WINDS EXPECTED LATER THIS AFTERNOON…NO ADVISORIES ISSUED AT THIS TIME…

EXWU0070 - DecemberSnow1 Full Weather Report

MODERATELY STRONG WINDS EXPECTED LATER THIS AFTERNOON…NO ADVISORIES ISSUED AT THIS TIME…

A strong cold front currently located in central New York state is forecast to move from west to east across Connecticut between 7:00 – 10:00 PM.

The high resolution models (NAMHRES and HRRR) are forecasting that moderately strong winds will develop ahead of this cold front this afternoon over Connecticut.  Towns can expect winds from the south to pick up over the next few hours and gust to 35 – 45 MPH along the coast at times by late this afternoon.  Higher elevations above 1,000 feet in the NW and NE hills can also expect wind gusts of 35 – 45 MPH at times.  Wind gusts in valley locations are expected to remain in the 30 – 35 MPH range.

These wind gusts may cause a hazard for high profile vehicles on bridges or other exposed roadways.  The wind gusts may also bring down some tree limbs and cause a minor number of power outages.  However, the impact on power lines should be reduced because most trees have lost their leaves for the winter. 

The south winds are forecast to shift to the west as the cold front crosses the state this evening and begin to slacken down to 30 – 40 MPH everywhere by midnight.  The overall impact of these strong winds is expected to be minor.  This will be the only update on this event unless Wind Advisories are issued by the NWS.

Watching Potential Snowfall on Wednesday…DEMHS is monitoring forecasts for the potential for the first accumulating snowfall of the season on Wednesday.  At this time, the track of the Wednesday storm is uncertain.  Updates may be sent out tomorrow if the potential for accumulating snow becomes more certain.