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.
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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.
Amy Irving Surprises Levitt Crowd with an Impromptu Duet
Film and stage actress Amy Irving hopped on the Levitt stage last night to perform a duet with headlining artist Lizzie No. Irving and No sang Simon & Garfunkel’s Cecilia. Photo by JC Martin for WestportLocal.com
Storm Henri Upgraded to Category 1 Hurricane
At 11 this morning, tropical storm Henri was upgraded to a category one hurricane while off the coast of North Carolina. Wind, rainfall, and damage predictions are all being increased as its path becomes clearer.
This upgrade was expected by meteorologists, as the storm is intensifying as it moves towards the northeast. The National Weather Service, New York City said that the storm has increased its speed towards southeastern Long Island and Connecticut at a 15 MPH ground speed, with all tracks now pointing for the southeastern Connecticut impact.
Rainfall amounts have been increased for southwestern Connecticut, while coastal communities were warned that storm surge will now be 3 to 5 feet instead of the initially thought 2 to 4 feet.
Morning Weather Report
Today
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. East wind 5 to 8 mph.
Tonight
Tropical storm conditions possible. A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Increasing clouds, with a low around 70.
Tomorrow
Tropical storm conditions expected. A chance of rain and thunderstorms, then rain and possibly a thunderstorm after 8am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 80. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.
Tomorrow Night
Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.