Stamford Prepares For Tropical Storm Elsa

STAMFORD, CT — According to a news release from Mayor David Martin's office, the City of Stamford held an Emergency Management meeting on Thursday morning in preparation for Tropical Storm Elsa.

Per the National Weather Service, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday evening. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect from late Thursday through tomorrow afternoon Friday, July 9. The main threats from Elsa are heavy rain capable of producing flash flooding, potential for strong wind gusts with associated marine and coastal hazards.

The news release noted that for Tropical Storm Elsa, the Army Corp of Engineers will be on call for staffing the Hurricane Barrier for potential gate operation for the Friday, July 9, 11:52 a.m. tide. Gate closures can occur up to four hours prior to the scheduled high tide.

Garbage recycling collection is still on schedule for Friday morning, the news release said. Once toters are emptied they should be removed from the curb immediately after collection due to the heavy forecasted winds.

The Katrina Mygatt Recycling Center will be open Friday regular hours from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions

• A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.
• Residents should secure their property for this weather event(s). Outside preparations should be completed as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of strong winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness activities to become unsafe.
• If residents have experienced flooding previously with similar weather events they should be prepared to experience the same.

Upcoming Forecast

• This Afternoon: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a steady temperature around 80. Southeast wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Tonight: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 72. West wind 7 to 14 mph becoming southeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
• Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 85. North wind 6 to 13 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
• Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.
• Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. North wind 5 to 7 mph.
• Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.