As the hurricane season is upon us and Tropical Storm Elsa is on a path to impact Connecticut later this week, I want to take this opportunity to provide you with helpful personal safety guidelines as the Town prepares for this storm.
In recent years, the hurricane season – which will last until November 30 – has brought several devastating storms to Town including Super Storm Sandy and last year, Tropical Storm Iasais. It is imperative that we prepare in advance of these storms to help minimize potential damage to your home and to maximize protection of human life and property.
In advance of Tropical Storm Elsa, the National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for this evening, until 11 p.m. These storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rains.
Under the aegis of our Emergency Operations Management Team, the Town continues to monitor the track of Tropical Storm Elsa. The Town’s Emergency Operations Center is ready to be fully activated in a moment’s notice to address any storm emergencies that may occur.
As of 2 p.m. today, the National Hurricane Center forecast that Elsa is expected to move off the New Jersey coast at daybreak on Friday and cross Long Island between 8 and 9 a.m. Elsa is then forecast to make landfall near Old Saybrook at 10 a.m. Friday as a weak tropical storm with sustained winds of 40 mph and gusts to 55 mph.
For coastal Connecticut, winds are currently forecast to begin increasing at daybreak on Friday. The winds are expected to peak during mid-morning in southeastern Connecticut and be sustained at 35 to 40 mph with gusts to 55 mph. Northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected inland and north of the storm track.
Heavy rainfall Elsa will likely cause minor to moderate urban flooding Friday morning. Total rainfall is forecast to range from 3 to 5 inches from Thursday afternoon through early Friday afternoon. The strong winds combined with wet soils may cause widespread power outages.
For businesses participating in the outdoor dining experience this summer, they should ensure that all tables, chairs, tents, umbrellas, etc. are secure. Residents should do the same with their outdoor furniture.
Boaters should check their vessels to ensure they are properly secured for the storm. It is advisable that residents have a supply of non-perishable food, as well as water, first aid materials, flashlights and batteries, and a supply of their prescriptions.
If necessary, the Town will post updates via the Town’s
website, the reverse 9-1-1 system and the “Community Connections from Fred” newsletters. You may subscribe via this
link. To sign up for the Town’s emergency alerts, please use this
link.
Please do not risk your safety and that of our Town’s first-responders - police, fire, EMS, Parks & Trees and Public Works - by visiting our waterfront during the storm.