High Wind Warning: Effective 6:00 PM Thursday - 10:00 AM Friday. High Winds Expected.

"South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected."

Flood Watch: Effective Thursday Evening - Friday Evening. Coastal Flooding Expected.

“Rain will become heavy at times Thursday night, before ending from west to east on Friday. Total rainfall of 2 to 4 inches may result in areas of flooding.”

The Editor’s Take

The National Weather Service, New York City forecasts heavy wind and rain beginning later this evening and strengthening through the overnight hours. Temperatures will be unseasonably warm, nearing 55 degrees, both today and tomorrow - but will plummet nearly 30 degrees to a low of 23 degrees by Friday night. Christmas Eve plans should be made with these forecasts in mind, as driving may become dangerous due to falling trees, flooding, and low visibility. Road closures or dangerous weather may make returning home difficult late in the evening. All plans should consider COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Sustained winds are forecasted to sit around 10 MPH throughout the day today, and will begin to pick-up around sunset tonight - climbing to about 30 MPH around midnight, and then falling to about 20 MPH by daybreak. The opportunity for wind gusts will begin around 8:00 PM tonight and end around 9:00 AM tomorrow morning, with the strongest wind gusts nearing 60 MPH forecasted between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM tomorrow morning.

30% - 50% chances of rain begins this morning, with 80%-100% chances of rain coming after 8:00 PM tonight, and most of the rain moving out of the area by noon tomorrow. The overnight rains are what have the community the most concerned, as the expected downpours may dump several inches of rain onto the area before the sun rises on Christmas Morning. With a quick moving cold front, there’s a slight chance of snow showers before midnight Friday.

Flooding is expected, as the frozen ground will give rain water less space to soak into, leading it into low-lying areas, garages, or basements. Roadways and underpasses may become flooded during heavy periods of rain, as well as creeks, rivers, ponds, and other bodies of water. Heavy winds may cause damage to trees, powerlines, or unsecured decorations and outdoor furniture. 3ft-6ft seas are expected for the western portion of the Long Island Sound.

Residents are reminded to stay off of the roads, stay indoors and away from windows, make sure all electronics are fully charged (including flashlights and phones), assure sump pumps are in working order, check that any loose outdoor decoration or furniture is secured. Residents should check on elderly or immobile neighbors for all of the above while remaining socially distant. Residents should also assure their phones are registered to receive emergency text or phone messages from the Town of Westport by texting “06880” to 888777, or by visiting the website: Town of Westport Emergency Notifications.

The North Pole has been alerted to the incoming storm, and stated that Santa Claus and his team have weathered “thousands of years of bad weather” - although reports claim that Rudolph may be dispatched to Fairfield County to assure all deliveries are made without delay.

Numbers to Know:

Santa Claus, North Pole Direct Line: 1-319-527-2680

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