Satellite image posted Thursday (Dec. 22) by the National Weather Service.
ANSONIA/DERBY/SEYMOUR — There’s some rough weather happening as Christmas approaches, and town officials issued alerts telling residents to be prepared for high winds and potential power outages.
As of this writing, a wind advisory was posted starting at 10 p.m. Thursday through 10 p.m. Friday.
As of 5:30 a.m. Friday, there were 280 residences without power in Oxford, according to Eversource, along with another 199 in Seymour. Those numbers are probably going to grow as the day progresses.
Gusts of up to 55 mph are possible, according to Thursday afternoon posts from the National Weather Service.
The Valley Indy created a list of “storm resources” curated from Twitter.
It is embedded at the bottom of this story, and it’s a decent way to find out what’s happening around us, weather-wise.
In addition, there are tons of ways to stay informed if things get hairy, such as:
Listening to an online fire department scanner.
Make sure you are signed up for “Code Red” alerts or similar notifications in your home town:
Click here to sign up for Ansonia alerts.
Click here to sign up for Derby alerts.
Click here to sign up for Seymour alerts.
Follow your local government pages on Faceook.
If you live in a flood-prone area along the Housatonic River, please note that FirstLight, the company that owns the Stevenson Dam, offers its own notification system. Click this link to sign up.
On Thursday morning, the Derby Fire Department posted a message to Facebook recommending residents be prepared:
“It’s going to be a busy few days. With the incoming severe weather hitting our area tonight and tomorrow, please be prepared.
Clean any storm drains near you, pack extra supplies (food, blankets, flashlights, etc.) for your vehicles. Check your windshield washer fluid, headlights, tail lights, turn signals too, because you never know. Make sure your gas tank is full.
Have a brush/scrapper so you can remove any ice from your hood/roof and nothing comes flying off while you’re driving and hits another car. State law requires that snow and ice is removed from your vehicle or else you’ll face a fine or worse, injure someone/cause an accident, etc.
While many of our friends will be celebrating the Christmas/Hanukkah holiday this weekend, please be responsible. If you are impaired/unable to drive, please have a designated driver. We want everyone to get to their destinations alive and well. So, here’s your “honey-do” list from your friendly local fire department. Stay safe!!!”
Editor’s note: Facebook is a great place for local info, but use 911 in an emergency. Do not ask local PDs/FDs/EMS for help on Facebook, as the pages might not be monitored all the time.
Seymour First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis also used Facebook to stress safety. Here is the message:
“CODE RED for Thursday, December 22, 2022
Good morning, This is First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis using the CODE RED system regarding the incoming weather event.
Weather alerts have been issued for our area as a strong storm is forecast to impact Seymour Thursday through Friday.
The storm is forecasted to bring heavy rain and has the potential for wind gusts up to 60 MPH.
There is a risk for local flooding, especially along the river bank, and a potential flash freeze for Friday evening. As the Town departments prepare for this weather event, I want to remind the residents to monitor alerts and weather conditions and secure all outdoor objects susceptible to high winds.It is especially important for residents along the river to be vigilant.
With the chance of flooding in areas of low elevation, please be sure to take all necessary precautions, including moving vehicles to higher ground. Thank you, and please be safe.”
Valley Indy storm resources curated from Twitter are embedded below. Stay safe!
A Twitter List by ValleyIndy