POWERFUL STORM MOVING TO OUR WEST ON FRIDAY FORECAST TO GENERATE A LONG PERIOD OF STRONG WINDS AND HEAVY RAINFALL OVER ALL OF NEW ENGLAND…NO WATCHES OR WARNINGS ISSUED AT THIS TIME…
POWERFUL STORM MOVING TO OUR WEST ON FRIDAY FORECAST TO GENERATE A LONG PERIOD OF STRONG WINDS AND HEAVY RAINFALL OVER ALL OF NEW ENGLAND…NO WATCHES OR WARNINGS ISSUED AT THIS TIME…
The latest models continue to forecast that a very strong winter storm will move thru the eastern Great Lakes on Friday. At the same time, a strong high-pressure system will be anchored northeast of Nova Scotia. A strong pressure gradient is expected to form over our area Thursday night and continue thru the day on Friday. In addition, bands of heavy rain well ahead of a strong cold front are also likely Friday morning.
Strong southeast winds are forecast to gust to 45 – 60 MPH at times starting at midnight Thursday night and continuing during the day on Friday causing numerous power outages. The strongest winds are expected in eastern CT. The heavy rain (2” – 4”) is likely to cause minor to moderate urban and river flooding. In addition, astronomical tides will be at their monthly highs and moderate coastal flooding may occur during high tide late Friday morning. Very cold air is forecast to move into the state Friday afternoon with wind chills near zero Friday and Saturday nights and temperatures remaining below freezing until next Tuesday. This may cause a hazard for any homes that remain without power over the weekend.
Confidence is high that we will see at least minor to moderate impacts from this storm. Confidence is still low as to whether we will see moderate or major impacts. This storm is still two days away and some additional changes to the model forecasts are still likely.
Another Update will be sent out by DESPP / DEMHS at 11:00 AM Thursday morning.