2013

MAJOR WINTER STORM STILL EXPECTED FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON TO SATURDAY AFTERNOON

BLIZZARD WATCHES ISSUED FOR CENTRAL AND EASTERN CONNECTICUT

With 24 hours to go before the start of this storm, the forecast confidence is fair to good at this time.  Any changes in the storm track will significantly change snowfall amounts.

Towns are advised to review their local Emergency Operations Plans.

The National Weather Service has issued Blizzard Watches for Central and Eastern Connecticut.  Winter Storm Watches are in effect for Litchfield and Fairfield Counties.

The latest computer models continue to forecast that a Major Winter Storm will impact our area Friday afternoon, Friday night and Saturday morning.   The latest track forecast for this storm is predicting that a low pressure system will form south of the Del Mar Va Peninsula Friday afternoon and then rapidly intensity as the storm moves Northeast Friday night to a position southeast of Nantucket by 7:00 AM Saturday morning.  Light snow is forecast to start Friday around daybreak remaining light for several hours.  The snow may mix with rain at times from late morning into the mid afternoon in Southern CT.  The snow is then forecast to become heavy by late afternoon with a change to all snow along the coast.  Heavy snow is expected overnight on Friday, into Saturday morning, ending early afternoon on Saturday.  Total snowfall is expected to range from 10 – 20” in Southern CT up to 16 – 26” in Northern CT.

Strong Northeast winds are also expected with sustained winds of 20 – 30 MPH Friday night gusting to 55 MPH inland and 70 MPH at times along the coast.  These strong winds may bring down trees and power lines resulting in a moderate number of power outages.  Some coastal flooding is expected during the time of high tide Friday night just before midnight with minor flooding possible.

The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) will continue to monitor the latest forecasts and will issue another update at 3:00 PM this afternoon.

This product is a public service of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), and is intended for informational purposes only. DESPP assumes no liability for the use or distribution of this product or any actions resulting from this product.