The National Weather Service issued a hurricane watch for New Haven County Friday because hurricane-force winds are possible this weekend.
The media, meteorologists and local governments are all keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Henri, which is expected to arrive off the coast of New England Sunday. As of 12 p.m. Friday, the National Weather Service was saying wind gusts in the 70 mph range were possible, along with torrential rain that could cause extensive flooding.
Fairfield County is under a tropical storm watch, but that could change as conditions change.
The storm is expected to become a hurricane later today.
As of 12 p.m. Friday, there was a 30 percent chance of precipitation for Friday night. There’s a 50 percent chance of rain during the day Saturday.
Tropical storm conditions are expected Sunday, with conditions worsening all day.
The National Weather Service issued the following “situation overview” at 11:44 a.m. Friday:
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.
In Ansonia, Mayor David Cassetti was organizing the city’s emergency management team in advance of the looming storm. Residents should keep an eye on the city’s Facebook page for updates. Code Red messages will go out, too. Click here to sign up for the messages.
In Seymour, First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis asked residents to keep an eye on her Facebook page for storm updates. Click here for the First Selectwoman’s page.
“I’ll be meeting with the Emergency Management leadership team this morning regarding the impacts of Tropical Storm Henri. Please follow this page for more information. We will be issuing a Code Red with updates as needed,” Drugonis wrote in a post Friday at 10:33 a.m.
Click this link to sign up for the Town of Seymour’s Code Red system.
In Derby, the city’s fire department shared an image on Facebook explaining how residents can prepare for the storm.
It is posted below:
“The department is currently monitoring Tropical Storm Henri,” the department said in a post. “We are busy planning and preparing for the storms projected arrival and you should be too.
Visit: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes for information on how to keep your family safe.
Derby Mayor Rich Dziekan posted to Facebook Friday at 9:53 a.m.:
“I’ll be talking with our chiefs (police and fire), and the rest of our Office of Emergency Management leadership team today regarding the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Henri. Henri is expected to impact us Saturday night into Monday,” the post read.
Derby’s emergency management office also has a Facebook page. Click here to visit it.
The Connecticut Fire Academy’s Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection issued the following advisory Friday morning:
The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection and the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control warn that during storms and in the immediate aftermath there are particular hazards that we must remind residents to be aware of.
“Portable generators, candle usage for temporary lighting, street flooding and downed power lines cause hazards in our homes and neighborhoods”, stated Alan Zygmunt, Public Education Coordinator for the Connecticut Fire Academy, “These important tips will remind us of these hazards and ways to keep our families safe.”
Use portable generators outside and away from the home to prevent exhaust gasses and Carbon Monoxide from entering the house.
If your CO Detector sounds, evacuate the home and call the fire department. They can come to check for the presence of CO and also check your fuel burning appliances for problems.
During power outages many people choose to use candles to provide light in their home. Candles are open flames and can ignite any nearby combustibles. Blow out candle when you leave a room or use flashlights as a safer alternative.
If outside or while driving, be especially aware of the potential for downed power lines. They are often tangled in trees and might not be easily visible. Any downed wire must be considered live so keep at least 10 – 15 feet away from any downed wires.
Downed wires can also come in contact with other items; fences, guardrails and or roadside signs and can potentially energize them as well, which can cause an electrocution hazard.
Street flooding is also a common outcome from storms. If you see water covering the roadway, you cannot easily determine the depth of the water so do not drive through standing water, it is always safer to go around. Remember, Don’t drown, go around.
Check your sump pump before the storm to ensure it is working properly. If your basement does flood, avoid entering the standing water to prevent contamination from possible sewage. Also stay away from any electrical fixtures in the basement and have the water removed as soon as you can.
Following these tips can keep you and your family members safe from common problems by caused by powerful storms.
