All Good at Old Mill
Nate Bernstein (13) and Sam Klatchko (13) were “vibing” this afternoon on the Compo Mill Cove boardwalk as they joined dozens of community members in walking the shoreline while the weather was clear. Many homes in the private island community remained vacated and boarded up today as bleak forecasts caused many to leave the flood-prone neighborhood. WestportLocal.com photo
Henri: Swing and a Miss? Winds, Storm Surge Threats Downgraded; Heavy Rain Still a Threat
Compo Mill Cove homes boarded up and evacuated as a precaution ahead of Hurricane Henri. Editor’s Take
With Storm Henri making landfall around 12:30 today in the area of Westerly, Rhode Island - Westporters have been left to wonder: is this it? The National Weather Service’s NYC office described today that the storm’s “weaker and further east track” has changed forecasts considerably - with wind and storm surge forecasts both updated to reflect maximum wind gusts of 50MPH and storm surges of 1 - 2 feet.
However as rain bands continue to swirl into the northwest, the possibility of heavy rainbands stalling over the region this evening still threaten localized flash flooding as the bands make their way back through the area - with considerable focus on the NYC, New Jersey, and southwestern Connecticut communities. Special consideration is being given to Manhattan, where Midtown has already experienced over five inches of rain.
With grounds saturated with water from a damp summer season, even the weaker wind forecasts could cause considerable damage to powergrid and local infrastructure as trees can easily be uprooted, falling onto utility lines. As of 3:45 this afternoon, just over 30,000 Eversource customers were without power - majorly located in the eastern portion of the State.
So, is this it? Although the storm surges and winds are less of a concern, the presence of heavy rain bands and gusty winds are still something to watch - with flash flooding still on the table as we head into Sunday evening.
The National Weather Service Updated Key Points:
Winds: 25-40 mph sustained winds with gusts to 50 mph through the evening.
Rain: 2” - 4” with heavier rain bands remaining to the northwest of the region. Rain will continue to come in waves as the storm moves out of the region throughout the night, with chances continuing into tomorrow.
Storm Surge: Minor to Moderate inundation threat this evening– 1 to 2 ft, locally 3 ft.
Flash Flooding: Still a possibility this evening as heavy rain bands may stall over the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut area.
Henri by the Numbers:
National Weather Service, NYC rainfall forecasts show Westport in a small area of communities where 2-4” of rainfall is expected. Top Wind Speeds:
Point Judith, Rhode Island: 70 MPH
New London, Connecticut: 49 MPH
East Hampton, New York: 35 MPH
Montauk, New York: 36 MPH
Rainfall Amounts:
Midtown Manhattan: 5.45 inches
New London, Connecticut: 3.70 inches
Stamford, Connecticut: 1.03 inches
Watching for the Storm from Dad’s Shoulders
As Tropical Storm Henri tracks east and arrives later than initially forecast, Compo was rainy but calm this morning as one family walked the beach. Homes in the background can be seen boarded up on Compo Mill Cove. WestportLocal.com photo
Rain Moves in as a Tropical Storm Henri Arrives over Montauk
Businesses on Main Street using sandbags or prefabricated flood blockers to protect the storefronts along the river. Editor’s Take
With a slightly more eastern track and a downgrade to a Tropical Storm, Henri is just now arriving to Montauk Point and will continue to make landfall somewhere just east of the Rhode Island/Connecticut border. All Hurricane Warnings have been cancelled, although heavy rain and storm surge is still forecast for the region. Some area businesses closed today, however a significant amount are open due to the calm of this morning. Heavy rain began to fall over the area as the outer bands circulate over Westport, with an expectation for things to ramp up in the next few hours.
Although not as powerful as expected, Henri is still going to create a stormy Sunday with the threat of power outages and regional flooding.
National Weather Service, NYC Update:
Henri is now a tropical storm, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. The center of Henri is currently 40 miles south-southeast of Montauk Point, and is moving north-northwest at 16 mph. On this track the center of Henri will likely pass very close to Montauk Point late this morning. and then track into southern New England through Monday while weakening.
The main threats from Henri continue to be potentially life- threatening storm surge, heavy rain capable of producing flash flooding, and tropical storm force winds along the south shore of Long Island and across southern Connecticut. There will also be associated marine and coastal hazards, including very rough seas, high surf, and and dangerous rip currents. Severe beach erosion is possible for coastal areas of Long Island Sound and portions of Suffolk County, including the Twin Forks region.
Widespread rainfall of 3 to 6 inches is forecast in the path of Henri with localized higher amounts possible. The highest amounts are forecast to occur across Long Island and much of southern Connecticut. Dangerous marine conditions are likely on the ocean waters south of Long Island, as well as on Long Island Sound, and the south shore and eastern bays of Long Island. Dangerous rip currents and high surf are expected along the ocean beaches of Long Island.