CT Weather: Tropical Storm Watch Issued For 3 Counties

CONNECTICUT — A tropical storm watch has been issued in advance of Tropical Storm Elsa's expected arrival Thursday night and Friday.

The tropical storm watch covers the coast of New Haven and Middlesex counties and all of New London County. Elsa is currently about 960 miles southwest of Montauk Point, NY.

The National Weather Service said Elsa will move over Georgia Wednesday night, and through the
Carolinas on Thursday, while weakening to a tropical depression. The storm will then reintensify to tropical storm strength as it passes near or over the Mid-Atlantic coast late Thursday night, and near or over Long Island and southeast New England on Friday.

"The main threats from Elsa are heavy rain capable of producing flash flooding, tropical storm force winds especially along the south shore of Long Island and across southeast Connecticut, and associated marine and coastal hazards, including very rough seas and dangerous rip currents," the weather service said.

Rainfall of 1-3 inches with locally higher amounts is forecast from Thursday afternoon into Friday. Wind gusts along the coast could range between 40 and 60 mph.

"Dangerous marine conditions should also develop on the ocean waters south of Long Island, as well as on Long Island Sound," the weather service said. "Tropical storm force winds will be most likely in those areas, near the south shores of Long Island and southeast Connecticut, and in some higher elevations away from the coastline. Dangerous rip currents will likely occur along the ocean beaches of Long Island.

Additionally, a flash flood watch is in effect for late Thursday and Friday for Fairfield and New Haven counties. Some areas may see up to three inches of rain.

Areas away from the coast will see lesser impacts from Elsa. In Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties, rain and thunderstorms are expected Thursday night with 1-2 inches of rainfall expected and more rain on Friday.