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.
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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