WINTER STORM UPDATE DESPP / DEMHS 11 AM THURS DEC 21, 2022IMPACTS EXPECTED ON FRIDAY WEATHER MAP AT NOON ON FRIDAY
WIND ADVISORIES ISSUED FOR THE ENTIRE STATE…FLOOD WARNINGS ISSUED FOR THE COAST…POWERFUL STORM MOVING TO OUR WEST ON FRIDAY ISEXPECTEDTOGENERATE AN 18-HOUR PERIOD OF STRONG WINDS OVER ALL OF NEW ENGLAND…
The latest models (GFS, NAMHRES and HRRR) are a few hours faster in their timing and continue to forecast that a very strong winter storm will move thru the eastern Great Lakes on Friday. A strong pressure gradient is expected to form over our area tonight 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 (red bars on graph) are forecast to increase this evening and gust to 40 –50 MPH at times after midnight. Southeast winds are then forecast to continue increasing overnight with a first peak around daybreak with gusts of 50 –60 MPH. The winds may then subside somewhat before a second peak is expected around noon on Friday as a strong cold front moves across the state. Moderate rainfall (green bars on graph) of 2” –3” is likely to cause minor urban and river flooding. In addition, astronomical tides will be at their monthly highs and high end moderate coastal flooding isexpectedduring high tide Friday morning which will occur around at 8:00 AM in New London, 10:00 AM in Bridgeport and 11:00 AM in Stamford. Very cold air (blue line on graph) is forecast to move into the state Friday afternoon with lows Friday night between 10 –15 F and wind chills near zero Friday and Saturday nights. Temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing until next Tuesday. This may cause a hazard for any homes that remain without power over the weekend.
Confidence is high (80%) that we will see at least minor to moderate impacts from this storm. Confidence is low (20%) as to whether we will see major impacts. Another Update will be sent out by DESPP / DEMHS at 5:00 PM this afternoon