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.
Governor Bans Empty Tractor Trailers, Motorcycles from I-95 Starting at 11 this Morning
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to the severe weather anticipated to impact Connecticut from Hurricane Henri, he is implementing a travel ban on all empty tractor trailers, tandem tractor trailers, and motorcycles on Interstate 95 effective at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 22, 2021, until further notice.
“During peak periods of the storm, the heavy rain and strong wings will make travel unsafe, particularly along the coast in the area of I-95,” Governor Lamont said. “I encourage everyone to stay off the roads on Sunday and into Monday morning to the greatest extent possible.”
Usual Flooding for Saugatuck Shores
Tonight’s full moon high tide was calm on Canal Road as tidewaters flowed over the roadway just before midnight. The flooding wasn’t out of the normal for the island community, and receded as normal. WestportLocal.com
Orange at Night
A fiery sunset over Ned Dimes Marina as the sun went down over a community enjoying the last few hours of beautiful Summer weather. Photo by Jennifer Kobetitsch for WestportLocal.com