Storm Will Be Severe But Not As Bad As Isaias: Fairfield Update

FAIRFIELD, CT — Severe weather, including thunderstorms and damaging winds, is expected in the late afternoon and evening Thursday, according to the first selectwoman.

"Travel may be difficult and power outages are possible," First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick said in an email to residents Thursday afternoon. "Residents are encouraged to take precautions and stay off roads during the storm."

United Illuminating Co. projected Tropical Storm Isaias at a Level 3 and is projecting the afternoon's storm at a Level 5, which is less severe, Kupchick said.

"The UI Emergency Operations Center (EOC) opened at noon and we have been in contact with them since early this morning," she said.

The most likely timeframe for severe thunderstorms is 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the most dangerous storms expected to be supercells that form either along the line or to the west of a warm front over western and southwestern Connecticut.

Any thunderstorms that develop (especially supercells) will have a 30 percent chance of strong winds of 60 to 70 mph, a 15 percent chance for 2-inch hail, and a 5 percent chance of a tornado, according to information provided by Kupchick. Other hazards will likely include moderate urban flooding and dangerous lightning.

Overall impact is expected to be moderate, however, there could be some more significant effects for any towns in the path of a supercell.

For more information, visit www.fairfieldct.org/news/?FeedID=3756.