Connecticut Weather: Severe Thunderstorms, Dangerous Wind Gusts, Downpours Tuesday

Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain and nearly tropical storm strength winds are all in the forecast for Connecticut today and tonight. NBC Connecticut Meteorologist Ryan Hanrahan said tornados can't be ruled out either. All in all, not a fun day to have to be outdoors.

The timeline of rain begins this morning as some areas of the state are already seeing scattered showers, and winds are beginning to pick up too. There will be periods of rain during the day today and intensifying wind gusts, but the big storm really starts to get going tonight and overnight.

Most of the state is looking at three plus inches of rain and Hanrahan said some areas in the western part of Connecticut could see five inches of rain before the storm moves way. He said to expect wind gusts up to 60 mph at times. Power outages are likely too. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

A Wind Advisory is in effect for most of the state and there is a Flash Flood Watch in effect for Hartford County

WTNH News 8 Meteorologist Gil Simmons wrote, "your Tuesday instacast is looking stormy at times! Rain will be on or off through the day today with heavy rain and thunderstorms this evening through about 2 AM overnight tonight! Some of the winds may gust up between 40 and 50 mph with scattered power outages. Scattered rain showers tomorrow into Thursday morning followed by clearing skies & nice weather Friday and Saturday. I do expect another rainstorm Sunday and Monday toward the end of the eight day forecast! I hope you have a great day today and make sure you have your rain gear!"

NBC Connecticut Meteorologist Ryan Hanrahan wrote, "While unlikely, we can't rule out a tornado later (Tuesday). A tremendous amount of low level wind shear and a tiny bit of instability. If the instability manages to develop a bit more than currently modeled we will have to watch for rotating storms. Nothing to worry about yet but we'll keep you posted all day long as the storms develop."

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Here is the detailed look at the big storm and its impact on southern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:

Today: Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11am. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. High near 71. Southeast wind 16 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Low around 65. Breezy, with a south wind 16 to 21 mph decreasing to 7 to 12 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Wednesday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 68. Northeast wind 7 to 9 mph becoming southwest in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. South wind around 6 mph becoming west after midnight.

Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 63. West wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Here is the detailed look at the big storm and its impact on northern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:

Today: Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 10am. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. High near 73. South wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Patchy fog after midnight. Low around 63. South wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Wednesday: Showers likely, mainly after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. South wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers. Patchy fog between 10pm and 11pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Thursday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 61. Northwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

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