Strong Wind Gusts Ease Across Connecticut After Knocking Out Power to More Than 24,000 Customers, but Rain Lingers Into Monday
Connecticut – After a rough and windy night, Connecticut is finally getting some relief. The strongest wind gusts that brought down trees and knocked out power across the state are expected to relax through Sunday morning, giving utility crews a better chance to restore service. However, on and off rain will stick around today and continue into Monday.
More Than 24,000 Outages Overnight
The powerful winds left a mark overnight, with more than 24,000 power outages reported across the state as of 3:20 a.m. Sunday. Strong gusts brought down trees and branches, and some residents reported hearing trees crashing down in the early morning hours.
Anyone who comes across a downed power line should stay far away and report it to their utility company right away. All fallen lines should be treated as live and dangerous.
Toughest Gusts Decrease Through the Morning
The worst of the winds are expected only early in the day. The toughest gusts should begin to ease between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., with conditions becoming much more manageable after that.
By Sunday afternoon, wind gusts are expected to settle into the 15 to 35 mph range. Forecast data for 2 p.m. Sunday shows gusts mostly in the 20s across much of Connecticut, including the shoreline and central parts of the state. Higher gusts in the 30s and 40s are expected to stay mainly to the north over the higher terrain of Massachusetts.
Better Conditions for Power Restoration
The calmer winds are good news for utility crews. Gusts in the 15 to 35 mph range are much more favorable for restoring power safely, allowing crews to work on lines and clear fallen trees without the constant threat of new damage.
Residents without power should keep phones charged, use flashlights instead of candles, and make sure any generators are kept outdoors and away from windows and doors.
On and Off Rain Continues
Even as the winds ease, rain will come and go throughout Sunday. Wet roads, fallen branches, and debris could make travel tricky in some areas, so drivers should take it slow and watch for hazards.
Plan for Rain on Monday
The wet weather is not over yet. More rain is expected Monday, which could affect the morning commute and school drop-offs. Planning a little extra travel time and grabbing an umbrella before heading out is a good idea.
Check for Damage
Residents should check their property for any storm damage, including fallen limbs, damaged gutters, or trees leaning toward homes or power lines. Any serious hazards should be reported to local officials or utility companies.
For more Connecticut weather updates and storm alerts, stay with bchssreport.com.