CT Weather: Tropical Storm Isaias To Bring Dangerous Winds

Brian McCready
Updated ·5 min read

CONNECTICUT — The entire state is now under a tropical storm warning as Tropical Storm Isaias begins the march up the east coast tonight and arrives on Tuesday. Isaias was upgraded to a hurricane Monday night but is expected to arrive as a tropical storm for Connecticut.

A tornado watch has been issued for all of southern Connecticut up until 4 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued updated details on the specific impacts Connecticut will see from the powerful storm. Isaias will likely arrive over Connecticut as a tropical storm Tuesday afternoon and evening.

"The main threats with this system involve heavy rainfall, strong winds, minor to moderate coastal flooding, along with high surf and dangerous rip currents," the weather service said.

NBC Connecticut Chief Meteorologist Ryan Hanrahan shared a graphic showing that there is a more than 70 percent chance of tropical storm force winds in Connecticut. Tropical storm winds are defined as anything between 39 and 73 mph.

NBC Connecticut Metrologist Kaitlyn McGrath said on social media that the winds will begin to pick up after 12 p.m. Tuesday and continue into the evening.

Fox 61 Chief Meteorologist Rachel Frank said on social media, "Isaias will not produce memorable flooding/storm surge in CT. But winds could get wild later Tuesday (afternoon) - Tuesday (evening) for about 6 hours as the storm passes to our west. Charge up devices and take the patio furniture in. Gusts 45-65 mph. Can't rule out 70 at the shore."

Southern CT impacts

For southern Connecticut, 2 to 4 inches of rain with localized amounts up to 6 inches is possible. "The heaviest rain is most likely to occur across New York City, Northeast New Jersey and the Lower Hudson Valley early Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening, and eastern sections Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night," the weather service said.

Since Isaias is expected to pass to the west of Connecticut now it appears we'll see less rain but the wind impacts may be more significant. Power outages will be a real concern on Tuesday.

"The strongest winds are likely to occur across Long Island, southern Westchester and southern Connecticut, and the New York City and New Jersey Metro areas," the weather service said. "...The effects from Tropical Storm Isaias are expected to diminish quickly from southwest to northeast across the area Tuesday night."

A coastal flood warning is in effect for the entire coast from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 2 a.m. Wednesday.

"One to two feet of inundation above ground level is likely in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline, with potentially locally 2 to 3 ft of inundation in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline," the weather service said.

Northern CT impacts

For areas in northern Connecticut, the weather service said, "Most of the storm`s impacts will occur during a roughly 6-hour period from Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday night."

"Strong southerly winds gusting to 40 to 50 mph, with local gusts to 60 mph, will be capable of downing some trees and power lines. There is also the possibility of an isolated tornado. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected in portions of the area, especially closer to the Berkshires, where minor urban or poor drainage flooding may occur. It`s possible that parts of Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts receive less than one inch of rain."

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for portions of northern Connecticut from Tuesday afternoon through early Wednesday morning. Rainfall of 2 to 4 inches is expected during Tuesday afternoon and night. This rainfall brings the threat for flash flooding, with the main flood threat being along urban and poor drainage areas as well as small streams, the weather service said.

"There is the potential for sharp rises on area rivers and streams during this rain event," the weather service said.

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See also: CT Schools Reopening Plans Addressed By Dr. Fauci

CT's emergency response plans

Gov. Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will remain activated to monitor and manage any issues that may arise as a result of severe weather caused by Tropical Storm Isaias.

The EOC has been activated since March in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and has been staffed by the relevant emergency operations staff, in addition to public health officials.

“With the current forecasted track of Isaias, we can expect heavy rain and high winds beginning Tuesday afternoon,” Lamont said. “We’re encouraging any restaurant owners and homeowners to secure outdoor furniture, tents, and awnings. We’ll continue to monitor the storm’s progress up the east coast and will provide updates as necessary.” For tips on building an emergency supply kit, visit ready.gov/kit.

The governor is reminding Connecticut residents of the following resources his office provides to make sure everyone is informed anytime there are significant weather events:

CTPrepares website: The CTPrepares website contains several emergency preparedness resources, including tips on what people should do before, during, and after certain types of emergency situations. It also contains a list of important contact information that might be useful during a weather event, including the phone numbers for every utility company in the state in case an outage needs to be reported. In addition, announcements from the governor related to significant weather events are posted as they happen in the “News” section. The website is located at ct.gov/CTPrepares.

CTPrepares mobile app: The CTPrepares mobile app is essentially a mirror image of the website but was specifically designed for mobile devices. Download it for free on iPhones and iPads at the Apple App Store, and on Android devices at the Google Play Store.

This article originally appeared on the Across Connecticut Patch