NBC Connecticut meteorologists have issued an initial warning of a windy rainstorm arriving on Christmas Eve and continuing through Christmas Day.
Much of Connecticut has a high wind warning. A statewide Flood Watch has also been issued.
The wind starts to pick up all day on December 24 with a few scattered showers in the late afternoon and in the evening.
The strong storm system will bring heavy rain and potentially damaging wind. After midnight the weather really picks up. The heaviest rain falls at night on Christmas Eve and ends on Christmas morning. The worst is over at 8 or 9 am.
The low pressure area will cut west of Connecticut, meaning we will be on the warm side of the storm. Temperatures are in the mid 50’s on Christmas Eve and low in the 60’s on Christmas Day!
The main concern with this storm is the threat of damaging winds. Some of our computer guidance suggests that winds can blow over 50 mph early on Christmas morning, which could lead to power outages.
With the potential for high winds and potential power outages, our First Alert Weather team encourages residents to:
- Secure or delete holiday decorations
- Make sure devices are charged
- Check your generator
- Clear drainage areas
In addition to the wind, heavy rainfall is another concern. It appears that more than two inches of rain can fall in parts of Connecticut. We will also see the snow melt quickly, so minor floods are certainly possible. With the warm temperatures, snow will not be a problem with this storm.
The sky clears for the weekend with a nice sun on Saturday and Sunday with colder temperatures in the 1930s.
The likelihood of power outages is largely isolated in most of the state as there are no leaves on the trees with the winter season causing the same outage problems as during the summer months.
Before the storm it will be fairly calm today with a mix of sun and clouds and cool temperatures.
Expect a very foggy Christmas morning!
You can always get the latest weather forecast here.