Batten Down Hatches, Branford, As Tropical Storm Elsa Approaches

BRANFORD, CT —With Tropical Storm Elsa expected to make landfall on the coastline early Friday morning, the town has issued an emergency preparedness alert.

Winds are currently forecast to begin increasing along the coast here in Connecticut at daybreak on Friday. The winds are expected to peak during the mid-morning in southeastern Connecticut and be sustained at 30 to 35 MPH with gusts to 50 MPH at times. Recent rainfall has saturated the soil in Connecticut and heavy rainfall associated with Elsa will likely cause moderate urban flooding and minor river flooding Friday morning. Total rainfall is forecast to range from 3” – 5” with locally higher amounts possible from this evening thru early Friday afternoon.

The strong winds combined with wet soils may cause a minor to moderate number of power outages in southeastern CT and minor power outages across the rest of the state. These impacts are based on the current National Hurricane Center forecast.

What folks in Branford need to know now about Friday:

• Curbside recycling and garbage collection will begin early. Residents scheduled for collection tomorrow morning should place their materials curbside before 9 p.m. Thursday.
• Pay attention to local weather forecasts and bulletins issued by the National Weather Service on local radio stations.
• To prepare for a possible power outage, make sure cell phone batteries are charged, gather supplies, and turn refrigerators and freezers to a colder setting.
• If you are a property owner, builder, contractor, and/or crane operator, secure your construction site(s), building(s), and equipment.
• Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys.
• Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.
• Close up and secure patio umbrellas.
• Secure boats with additional lines and/or consider moving your boat from moorings.
• Prepare your home and family, review your emergency plans, test your generator and other similar activities. You can find additional information here:
  • Ready.GOV- Emergency Kit
  • American Red Cross Hurricane Prep
  • Preparing your home for disaster

• Sign up to receive Community Messages by email, Click the black “create account” button
• Sign up to receive Emergency Messages or update your contact information from CT Alert
• Predetermine where you would evacuate if it should become necessary. Due to COVID-19 it is best to shelter with family or in a hotel, congregate sheltering should be your last resort.
• Check on elderly neighbors or other vulnerable community members who may need assistance.