A storm is bringing heavy rain and strong winds to Connecticut along with localized coastal flooding. Forecasters and government officials are urging residents to prepare for potential power outages as a wind advisory remains in effect until Friday evening.
By midday Friday utility Eversource reported tens of thousands of power outages across the state. United Illuminating reported around 400 power outages in coastal communities.
Heavy rains and high winds are expected to continue throughout the day with gusts of up to 45 to 55 mph, said Garett Argianas, Connecticut Public’s meteorologist.
"There will be a lull in the rain around midday before another burst of rain this afternoon," Argianas said. "Cold air will rush in late today into this evening. Any areas of standing water will ice up. Some snow showers are possible."
Downed trees and power lines from the weather closed a number of roads across the state. Mitch Gross, a spokesperson for Eversource, said Friday morning that those downed trees were complicating statewide power restoration efforts.
“We have dozens and dozens of blocked roads that we're working with the towns to clear," Gross said. "We have a laundry list of reports of trees taking down lines all across the state.
"We serve 149 of the state's 169 communities. And unfortunately, pretty much every community has a power issue to some degree today," Gross said.
Localized coastal flooding seen in southern Connecticut
A coastal flood warning was in effect until 1 p.m. Friday for southern Connecticut, including southern parts of Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties. Near the waterfront and shoreline, 1 to 2½ feet of water is possible, according to the National Weather Service.
Branford Police said the storm, combined with high tide, was causing localized spots of flooding. The Department urged motorists to avoid flooded areas.
Governor activates state Emergency Operations Center
Gov. Ned Lamont said the state's Emergency Operations Center will be monitoring the storm closely Friday due to the anticipated heavy rainfall and subsequent low temperatures.
"When this happens, roads are going to get icy," Lamont said midday Friday. "Transportation crews are unable to pre-treat the roads at the moment because the heavy rainfall that we are experiencing right now would just wash any treatment away. Crews are on standby and waiting for the rain to stop so they can apply treatment to the roads. I strongly urge everyone to get to where you need to be before temperatures drop this evening because the roads will become very slick.”
Lamont advised residents to make preparations in case of power outages and said shelters are open across the state.
“This is the first time this season that we will have a stretch of frigid temperatures this low, and we want to remind everyone that shelters are available throughout Connecticut. Anyone in need can call 2-1-1 to get connected to a nearby location, and they can even provide transportation if necessary,” Lamont said in a statement.
Travel
The storm comes as people hit the road and get on planes for the holidays, so the timing could snarl travel plans. Officials at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks said Thursday that flight disruptions are expected due to the storm. Alisa Sisic, with the Connecticut Airport Authority, said it’s important for travelers to know their flight’s status before getting to the airport.
“Stay in close contact with your airline to confirm that your flight is still on time, that it’s not been delayed or even canceled,” Sisic said.
State police officials encourage people to be careful.
“With a major rain and wind storm predicted for later in the week, and with more drivers on the road, we ask everyone to be prepared and use caution,” Col. Stavros Mellekas, commanding officer with Connecticut State Police, said in a statement.
Utilities respond to storm
Eversource officials said Friday afternoon they continue to respond to outages in most of the 149 towns serviced by the company.
The utility said hundreds of line crews are working to address emergency situations, clear blocked roads and restore power to customers impacted by the storm.
As of 1:30 p.m., the utility said its crews restored power to more than 80,000 customers since the storm began. Approximately 70,000 Eversource customers in Connecticut remain without power as a result of the severe storm.
United Illuminating reported a few hundred outages Friday afternoon — mostly concentrated in Easton, Milford, Fairfield and Woodbridge. But remaining outages were relatively small even in the hardest-hit towns served by UI.
"We recognize the rain, wind and freezing temperatures may impact our customers’ and employees’ holiday plans, but it’s critical everyone is prepared as this storm moves in,” United Illuminating President and CEO Frank Reynolds said in a statement. “We are committed to responding to outage situations as quickly and efficiently as possible to help our communities stay safe and warm throughout the weekend.”
New Haven officials warn of dangerous flooding, urge drivers to use caution
New Haven city officials are warning motorists not to drive through standing water and to prepare for drastic drops in temperatures on Friday.
Rick Fontana, the city’s emergency manager, said this may not be a huge snowstorm or a hurricane, “but the fact is with 2 to 3 feet of inundation, that’s going to cause a significant amount of flooding. Not only is it flooding, but it’s wind, the possibility of power outages.”
Fontana said city trucks will be on the streets to remove downed tree limbs. Officials recommend charging phones and necessary devices in case of a power outage.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said that along with flash freezing, flooding poses a big risk to motorists and emergency crews.
“Do not drive through water that is on the road that’s flooded,” he said. “Every storm we say this, residents end up driving through because they think they can make it through and then they put themselves at risk because they get stuck."
Elicker said flooding is expected around New Haven’s train station, the police station and usual shoreline areas.
Tips to prepare
Eversource and United Illuminating offer the following tips to prepare for stormy weather:
- Assemble or restock a storm kit with things like flashlights, batteries, water, nonperishable foods, pet food and essentials and any needed medications.
- Make sure cellphones and devices are fully charged.
- Create an emergency plan with family members and prepare to check on elderly neighbors and friends. Fuel vehicles and fill spare fuel tanks for generators.
Connecticut State Police offer the following tips for motorists:
- Before you go: Fully charge your cellphone. Fill the gas tank before you head out on your trip. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid and tire pressure. Check traffic and weather conditions, too.
- While on the road: Carry winter blankets, drinking water and snacks. Keep a shovel and sand or salt in the trunk of your vehicle.
Connecticut Public Radio's Matt Dwyer, Jennifer Ahrens, Eric Aasen, Cassandra Basler and Patrick Skahill contributed to this report.