Full Report: Winter Storm Warning Begins at Midnight; NWS Increases Snow Totals; Tuesday Snow Day Probable
From the National Weather Service, New York City - 01/31-19:00 UpdateWinter Storm Warning: Effective 12:00 AM Monday - 6:00 AM Tuesday. Heavy Snow Expected.
Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 14 to 20 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.Travel will be very difficult to impossible. Blizzard like conditions possible Monday afternoon, especially near the coast.100% Chance of 8 or more inches of snow96% Chance of 12 or more inches of snow32% Chance of 18 or more inches of snow
The Editor’s Take
Meteorologists are predicting that the winter weather will begin in Westport sometime after 1:00 AM Monday morning, and will continue through Tuesday morning. A 100% chance of snow will cover Westport until late tomorrow night, with a 60% chance of light snow remaining through the entire day on Tuesday until early Wednesday morning. The possibility of Tuesday school cancellations are probable. The Westport Emergency Operation Center has been opened partially to assist in managing all emergencies arising throughout the duration of the storm, according to First Selectman Jim Marpe.
By this time tomorrow, our community may be covered in over one foot of snow, and could experience power outages, coastal flooding at high tides, and a significant impact to roadways and highways.
Westport and other coastal communities may bear the brunt of this storm, according to the NWS. Snow totals are being forecasted as no less than 10 inches, with the possibility to reach towards 18 inches, as temperatures are confirmed as non-fluctuating - making this an all-snow event without rain or sleet.
It appears that the storm’s peak will be during the daylight hours tomorrow. During this time period, we’ll see the strongest wind gusts and the heaviest snowfall, with blizzard condition possible in the afternoon hours.
Residents are reminded to stay off of the roads, make sure all electronics are fully charged (including flashlights and phones), assure sump pumps are in working order, check that any loose outdoor decoration or furniture is secured, and prepare to keep doorways into homes clear of snow in case of emergencies. Residents should check on elderly or immobile neighbors for all of the above while remaining socially distant. Residents should also assure their phones are registered to receive emergency text or phone messages from the Town of Westport by texting “06880” to 888777, or by visiting the website: Town of Westport Emergency Notifications.
Children are reminded to make sure that their favorite movies are downloaded onto their tablets, snow gear is washed and dried from the last storm, snow sleds are in the car, and that there’s no virtual school - so enjoy the true snow day.
Numbers to Know:
Emergency: 911
Eversource: Report a power outage: text “OUT” to 23129; call 800-286-2000; online www.eversource.com/CustomerCare/ReportOutage.
Westport Police: Non-Emergency: 203-341-6000
Westport Fire Department: Non-Emergency: 203-341-5000
Westport Public Schools: Emergency Line: 203-341-1766
Westport Department of Human Services: Social Services: 203-341-1050
Delays Possible This Morning as Roads, Sidewalks Freeze; Snow Chances Remain Today; Dangerous Cold by End of Week
Information from the National Weather Service, New York City. Although the Winter Weather Advisory officially ends this morning at 6:00 AM, the pre-dawn hours today still hold 30%-40% chances for sleet, snow, and freezing rain as temperatures will begin to crawl from below-freezing by daybreak.
Side roads, driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks all may pose as challenges this morning as ice, snow, and freezing rain accumulated throughout the overnight hours. Such challenges may push local school districts and towns to delay openings of schools or other public buildings until public works crews can effectively salt, sand, and shovel.
Main roads were mainly clear of snow and ice by late last night, a testament to the hard work done by public works crews called in to manage the roadways
Check here for any delays or closings of Westport public buildings or schools.
Today: 20% - 30% chances of rain and snow may remain with us throughout the day, ending around midnight. Air temperatures will rise towards 40 degrees at midday, however wind chills will remain closer to freezing.
Tomorrow: All chances of wet weather will end by Thursday morning, with the sun coming back to the area for the majority of the day. Temperatures will remain around freezing.
Friday: Dangerous cold and wind gusts up to 30 mph will greet the area come Friday. Air temperatures will fight to rise above 25 degrees as wind chills will register closer to 0 degrees during Friday morning’s commute.
Saturday: A sunny Saturday morning will bring the coldest temperatures of this week, with -4 degree wind chills and 10 degree air temperatures expected by daybreak.
Winter Weather Advisory: Light Snow & Ice Accumulations Could Make for Slippery Commute
From the National Weather Service, New York City. Winter Weather Advisory: Effective 7:00 AM Today - 6:00 AM Tomorrow. Snow, Ice Expected.
Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are all expected to begin just after 7:00 AM today and continue until early tomorrow morning. Air temperatures will remain in the 30s throughout the day, with wind chill temperatures hovering around the mid 20s today.
“Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of up to two inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze.”"Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute.""The highest snowfall amounts will be away from the coast."
Walking with the Waves
Waves moved into the area as a small storm heads into Westport this evening through tomorrow morning. Rain is expected overnight, with precipitation amounts from 3/4 in to 1 in expected. Wind will continue, with speeds of 14 mph to 17 mph.
Minor Flooding Remains at Compo
After hours of rain, some areas of Compo remained flooded this afternoon as some ventured out for a walk along the coast.
Eversource Reports Few Outages in Westport
Eversource reports three areas are currently affected by loss of power in Westport: Saugatuck Shores, Roseville Road, and Beachside Avenue. All three areas are reported to have less than 5 customers without power. All of the reports state that they’re currently in the evaluation stage, without any time estimate until power restoration. No major road closures have been reported in the Town.
The Western part of Connecticut faces the most power outages - with thousands without power this morning.
Rain & Wind will Continue through Morning
The National Weather Service, New York City forecasted a delay for rain and winds in the area, pushing back their initial forecasted end-times by several hours.
Heavy rains will continue this morning through noon and will being to taper off after sunset, when a slight chance of snow will be possible until midnight.
Winds will continue to lose strength throughout the day, but gusts of nearly 25 MPH will remain possible through the early afternoon hours.
Full Report: High Wind Warning, Flood Watch
High Wind Warning: Effective 6:00 PM Thursday - 10:00 AM Friday. High Winds Expected.
"South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected."
Flood Watch: Effective Thursday Evening - Friday Evening. Coastal Flooding Expected.
“Rain will become heavy at times Thursday night, before ending from west to east on Friday. Total rainfall of 2 to 4 inches may result in areas of flooding.”
The Editor’s Take
The National Weather Service, New York City forecasts heavy wind and rain beginning later this evening and strengthening through the overnight hours. Temperatures will be unseasonably warm, nearing 55 degrees, both today and tomorrow - but will plummet nearly 30 degrees to a low of 23 degrees by Friday night. Christmas Eve plans should be made with these forecasts in mind, as driving may become dangerous due to falling trees, flooding, and low visibility. Road closures or dangerous weather may make returning home difficult late in the evening. All plans should consider COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Sustained winds are forecasted to sit around 10 MPH throughout the day today, and will begin to pick-up around sunset tonight - climbing to about 30 MPH around midnight, and then falling to about 20 MPH by daybreak. The opportunity for wind gusts will begin around 8:00 PM tonight and end around 9:00 AM tomorrow morning, with the strongest wind gusts nearing 60 MPH forecasted between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM tomorrow morning.
30% - 50% chances of rain begins this morning, with 80%-100% chances of rain coming after 8:00 PM tonight, and most of the rain moving out of the area by noon tomorrow. The overnight rains are what have the community the most concerned, as the expected downpours may dump several inches of rain onto the area before the sun rises on Christmas Morning. With a quick moving cold front, there’s a slight chance of snow showers before midnight Friday.
Flooding is expected, as the frozen ground will give rain water less space to soak into, leading it into low-lying areas, garages, or basements. Roadways and underpasses may become flooded during heavy periods of rain, as well as creeks, rivers, ponds, and other bodies of water. Heavy winds may cause damage to trees, powerlines, or unsecured decorations and outdoor furniture. 3ft-6ft seas are expected for the western portion of the Long Island Sound.
Residents are reminded to stay off of the roads, stay indoors and away from windows, make sure all electronics are fully charged (including flashlights and phones), assure sump pumps are in working order, check that any loose outdoor decoration or furniture is secured. Residents should check on elderly or immobile neighbors for all of the above while remaining socially distant. Residents should also assure their phones are registered to receive emergency text or phone messages from the Town of Westport by texting “06880” to 888777, or by visiting the website: Town of Westport Emergency Notifications.
The North Pole has been alerted to the incoming storm, and stated that Santa Claus and his team have weathered “thousands of years of bad weather” - although reports claim that Rudolph may be dispatched to Fairfield County to assure all deliveries are made without delay.
Numbers to Know:
Santa Claus, North Pole Direct Line: 1-319-527-2680
Emergency: 911
Eversource: Report a power outage: text “OUT” to 23129; call 800-286-2000; online www.eversource.com/CustomerCare/ReportOutage.
Westport Police: Non-Emergency: 203-341-6000
Westport Fire Department: Non-Emergency: 203-341-5000
Westport Public Schools: Emergency Line: 203-341-1766
Westport Department of Human Services: Social Services: 203-341-1050