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.
Office of Emergency Management Evening Update
The Westport Emergency Management Team released the following evening message in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Henri.
Hurricane Henri will enter Westport in the early hours tomorrow, bringing very gusty winds and heavy rain. Deputy Fire Chief Michael Kronick urges, “Stay safe at home tomorrow. By staying off the roads, you will allow the Westport first responders quickly respond to incidents that may be a life-or-death situation.”
Expect Widespread Power and Tree Issues:
Downed power lines can be deadly. Always assume that they are live and avoid going near them or anything in contact with them.
Moderate to Major Coastal Flooding Expected:
Do not walk or drive through floodwaters. Never attempt to drive through a flooded road. As little as six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your car. If your building floods, move to a higher floor but do not enter a closed attic. Residents in flood-prone areas can move their vehicles to Saugatuck Avenue Train Station Lot # 8.
Closures:
State beaches closed at 1:00pm today.
Westport beaches, golf course and marinas will be closed tomorrow.
Storm Preparation:
To prepare for power outages, make sure your flashlights have working batteries. Fully charge your phone and backup chargers and consider filling your bathtub with water for washing in case you lose your water supply.
Stay informed. Tune into your local radio, news channels or weather apps/ websites for the latest updates. Sign up for NIXLE alerts from the Town’s Emergency Operations Center. Text: 06880 to 888 777
POTABLE water is available at the following filling stations. Please bring your containers. If you are disabled, elderly, or need special assistance, please contact us and we will help you fill your containers 203-341-5000 or 203-341-5010
Westport Fire HQ (515 Post Road East)
Westport Coleytown Station (61 Easton Road)
During the Storm:
Stay home and stay off the roads.
Do not go sightseeing! Roads must be kept clear for emergency vehicles.
Do not drive through floodwaters or over downed wires. Stay clear of downed power lines at least 25’.
Do not drive around barrier tape or barricades.
Stay inside and away from windows.
Report power outages to Eversource at 800-286-2000
Stay informed using social media and radio WWPD 90.3FM
Rainbow Provides Best Dinner View in Town at The Whelk
Diners at the Whelk experienced a few moments of drizzle, with a reward of a full rainbow stretching across Saugatuck River this evening. WestportLocal.com photo
Sandbags Handed out at Sherwood Island Connector Complex
Residents frantically filled and tied sandbags before hauling them into their cars today at the 300 Sherwood Island Road Public Works complex. “We’ll probably be standing right here by 6:00 AM tomorrow with chainsaws” one public works employee said as he helped an elderly community member carry bags to their car. The free sandbags are available until 4:30 today. WestportLocal.com photo
Afternoon Update: Hurricane Henri Looms Closer with More Power, Rain, and Wind
Editor’s Take
The National Weather Service, NYC described Hurricane Henri as moving faster than anticipated towards the north, and is expected to reach the area Sunday morning and begin to move out Sunday evening. The storm’s track is making exact forecasts difficult, as a continued track West will affect Westport more. The Service said the storm is currently predicted to impact the New Haven area most directly.
Winds: Moderate potential for 50-60 mph sustained winds with 70-80 mph gusts.
Storm Surge: Major inundation (Life threatening) threat - 3 to 4, locally 5 ft (AGL) in vulnerable spots.
Rain: Forecasts of 3’ to 7” with locally higher for much of Connecticut and Eastern Long Island - beginning sometime late Saturday night and continuing into Monday.
Power: Extensive tree and power line damage is expected, with the NWS saying it could be similar to Isaias.
Westport will not bear the brunt of this storm, however the community should prepare as if we will due to the overnight nature of its arrival. Flooding will be a large concern for Compo, Saugatuck, and Riverside neighborhoods, and all homes that are susceptible to flash flooding - being near streams, rivers, or on low-lying lands. Tree damage could be significant, with road closures and power outages likely throughout the region. All preparations should be complete by tonight. Many mariners are removing their boats from local marinas, or assuring the boats are tied tight enough to docks and moorings to avoid collisions with other boats and docking systems.
Click here to expand full report
Situation Overview from the National Weather Service, NYC:
Henri has become a Category 1 hurricane and is currently 460 miles south of Montauk Point. Henri will likely make landfall near hurricane strength across eastern Long Island early Sunday afternoon, and then track into southern New England late Sunday into Monday.
The main threats from Henri are potentially life-threatening storm surge, heavy rain capable of producing flash flooding, tropical storm or hurricane 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 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.
A widespread rainfall of 3 to 6 inches is forecast in the path of Henri with localized higher amounts possible Saturday night through Sunday night. The highest amounts are forecast to be across Long Island and much of southern Connecticut and may occur along and west of the center of Henri. This will present a likelihood for areas of flash flooding. 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. Hurricane force winds will most likely be in those areas. Dangerous rip currents and high surf are expected along the ocean beaches of Long Island beginning Friday.
Active Weather Warnings, Advisories, and Watches:
Tropical Storm Watch: Effective until further notice
Storm Surge Watch: Effective until further notice
Flood Watch: Effective 8:00 PM Saturday - 8:00 AM Monday
Town Resources:
Sandbags are available for residents at the Westport Public Works garage, 300 Sherwood Island Road, from 12:30 - 4:30 today. Limit 10 bags per person, who is responsible to fill the bags. Bags can be used to prevent water from entering flood-prone doorways or openings.
Potable water will be available at the Westport Fire Department headquarters, 515 Post Road East, and Westport Fire Department Coleytown station, 61 Easton Road. Users must bring their own containers to fill in the event they require water during power outages.
Hurricane Preparedness Packet from the Westport Fire Department: Click here to access
Updates:
We will continue to update you live throughout the storm. Major closures and emergency notifications will remain at the top of the website for easy access.
Governor Lamont Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Storm Henri; 200 National Guard Activated
Office of Governor Ned LamontGovernor Ned Lamont today announced that as Tropical Storm Henri is projected to move toward Connecticut in the coming days and strengthen to a hurricane before making landfall, he will be requesting a presidential pre-landfall emergency declaration to provide the state with federal assistance in anticipation of the impacts of the storm. Additionally, the governor will be issuing a declaration of civil preparedness emergency to enable the state to take any actions necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of the people of Connecticut.
The governor has directed the Connecticut State Emergency Operations Center to become partially activated on Saturday, August 21, and fully activated by the morning of Sunday, August 22. It will be staffed by representatives of the relevant state agencies, in addition to utility company representatives, in order to monitor and manage any issues that may arise as a result of the storm.
At the order of Governor Lamont, Major General Francis Evon, Adjutant General and Commander of the Connecticut National Guard, is calling 200 Guardsmen and women to state active duty beginning on Saturday morning to prepare teams and specialized equipment in support of the state’s response. Expected missions include high-wheeled vehicle search and rescue, route clearance, power generation, and commodities distribution, but may shift depending on the actual impact of the storm.
Earlier today, Governor Lamont spoke via telephone with Deanne Criswell, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Paul Ford, FEMA’s acting regional administrator for New England, to discuss preparedness efforts. The federal officials pledged assistance and resources to support Connecticut’s response and anticipated recovery from the storm.
This afternoon, Governor Lamont organized a statewide conference call between state emergency management officials and municipal representatives to coordinate preparedness activities among the state and local levels.
Current forecasts project that the storm will become a Category 1 hurricane on Saturday morning, and then make landfall on Sunday evening near the area of Stonington, Connecticut, along the Rhode Island border. As of this afternoon, the National Weather Service has issued hurricane watches for New London, Middlesex, and New Haven Counties. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Fairfield County. Additional watches and warnings are anticipated.
“With the current forecasted track of Henri, we can expect heavy rainfall and high winds, with the potential for a significant amount of coastal flooding and urban flooding across Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “Right now, it’s a good idea for everyone to be prepared and expect to shelter in place by Sunday afternoon through at least Monday morning. We’ll continue to monitor the storm’s progress and will provide updates as necessary.”
“We’ve learned from Super Storm Sandy and Hurricane Irene that preparation at staging areas ahead of the storm making landfall is key to a quick and effective response,” Major General Evon said. “We are standing by to support the state and the lead agencies however we can and we will be prepared to bring in additional Guardsmen and resources if asked to do so.”
The following list includes some hurricane preparedness tips:
Recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit
One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
A whistle to signal for help
Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
A manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Food and litter requirements for any pets
Medicine or any special need items, including diapers for infants
Cleaning supplies that disinfect for COVID-19 and face masks should they be needed at a shelter
Family emergency plan
Be sure you and family members are aware of local shelter locations and your evacuation zone, especially if you live along the shoreline.
Identify an out-of-town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact.
Plan ahead and pre-set a family group text conversation in your phones. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through, and it uses less battery life.
Subscribe to alert services through CTAlert. Go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register.
Connecticut residents are encouraged to download the state’s CTPrepares app for mobile devices. The app, which can be downloaded at no charge from the Apple iTunes store and the Google Play store, provides information that is useful in emergency situations and gives preparedness tips in advance of an emergency.
Full Report: Henri Likely to be a Cat. 1 Hurricane on Arrival to Connecticut; Hurricane Watch Issued for NE Connecticut Counties
Editor’s Take
Tropical Storm Henri will reach the area sometime late tomorrow, with heaviest effects forecast to arrive early Sunday morning. The National Weather Service, NYC office has described the storm as becoming more problematic, saying “Confidence is increasing in potential for major inundation across portions of Eastern LI and along Long Island Sound.” Although the brunt of the storm is set to arrive early Sunday, they have stated that the region should prepare for as early as tomorrow night. Confidence is high that the current tropical storm will be upgraded to a Category 1 Hurricane by the time it makes landfall in the region, with a Hurricane Watch already issued for Northern Middlesex, Northern New Haven, and Northern New London counties.
Rainfall chances are also forecast to also begin later Saturday, with chances of rain continuing through early Monday and the heaviest bands arriving Sunday morning - with 2”-4” possibly falling.
Winds are forecast to be strongest on Sunday, but could arrive “as early as Saturday night.” There are 50-80% chances of 40MPH sustained winds (tropical storm force), 33% chances of 60MPH sustained winds, and 10%-20% chances of 74MPH sustained winds (hurricane force). The NWS described that the chances of hurricane force winds in Southeastern Connecticut are increasing, and that “even low probabilities of hurricane winds are significant for this area.”
Flooding will prove problematic with a 2-4 foot storm surge forecast for the region, especially during high tides that will take place around midnight and noon on Sunday. Sunday’s midnight high tide also coincides with a full moon, making it a 7.7’ tide.
Click here to expand full storm report.
Residents are urged to stay off of the roadways for the Sunday morning hours, keep devices charged with batteries nearby, and to assure that all outdoor furniture and decorations are properly secured.
Boat owners are urged to check that all Bimini and fabric tops are closed and secured, all deck items - pillows, PFDs, or other items - are stowed away, and that bilge pumps are working with adequately charged batteries or shorelines. With forecasts predicting 2”-4” of rain in a short amount of time, bilge pumps will be running more than usual -causing boat batteries to die, shutting down the pumps, and putting boats at risk of flooding. Checking on your vessel before and after the storm will prove important.
Local Closures and Cancellations:
Active Weather Warnings, Advisories, and Watches:
Tropical Storm Watch: Effective until further notice
Storm Surge Watch: Effective until further notice
From the National Weather Service, NYC: Tropical Storm Henri is currently due east of the South Carolina coastline and will likely track north nearing eastern Long Island and into southern New England Sunday as a Category 1 Hurricane.
The main threats from Henri are potentially life-threatening storm surge, heavy rain capable of producing flash flooding, tropical storm or hurricane force winds along the south shore and east end of Long Island and across southeast Connecticut. There will also be associated marine and coastal hazards, including very rough seas 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.
A widespread rainfall of 2 to 4 inches is forecast in the path of Henri with localized higher amounts possible Saturday through Sunday evening. The highest amounts are forecast to be across eastern Long Island and much of southeastern Connecticut. This will present a likelihood for areas of flash flooding. 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.
Tropical storm force winds will be most likely in those areas, near the south shores and east end of Long Island and southeast Connecticut, and in some higher elevations away from the coastline. Dangerous rip currents and high surf are expected along the ocean beaches of Long Island beginning Friday.
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