Storm to Bring High Winds; Temperatures to Reach 50s

NBC Connecticut First Alert meteorologists are tracking a major storm that will bring heavy rain, high winds and possibly thunderstorms.

Winds reached 30 to 35 mph during the afternoon.

Rain has overspread Connecticut and will be heavy at times overnight. A thunderstorm is possible toward sunrise Friday.

The strongest of the winds will come early Friday morning and winds over 55 miles per hour are likely. A high wind warning has been issued for eastern Connecticut, Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts and wind advisories are issued for western Connecticut.

Wind gusts are expected to peak between 40 and 50 miles per hour in most locations with a few gusts approaching 60 mph! Power outages and tree damage are possible.

A bit of a stable layer near the ground should prevent the winds from going too crazy tonight. Still, looks like we'll see some gusts strong enough to take down a few trees and power lines. Should get a bit noisy after midnight. #nbcct pic.twitter.com/Q9umEBzcVN

— Ryan Hanrahan (@ryanhanrahan) February 17, 2022

Temperatures will drop rapidly on Friday after the rain and wind move out. The mercury will fall from the 50s to the 30s by afternoon.

Eversource said it is closely monitoring several weather forecasts and is ready to respond to any power outages caused by the coming storm.

They said they will position line and tree crews across the state and bring in additional out-of-state crews to respond to any damage or outages caused by the weather.

“The high winds expected with this storm have the potential to bring down trees and limbs onto electric lines and equipment causing outages and we’re planning accordingly,” Eversource President of Electric Operations in Connecticut Steve Sullivan said in a statement.

“We’ve gone through our storm checklists and we’re fully stocked with utility poles, wire, transformers and other necessary materials. Crews will be staged around the state with a heavy emphasis in the areas expecting the highest winds – so they’re ready to restore power as soon as it’s safe to do so,” he added.

He said customers are encouraged to prepare for the storm by assembling or restocking a storm kit with flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable foods, pet food and any needed medications.

And fully charge cell phones and electronic devices.

The company is reminding people to stay away of downed wires and to report them immediately to 911.

Eversource customers can report any outage online at eversource.com or by calling 800-286-2000.

Customers who signed up for the company’s two-way texting feature can send a text to report an outage and receive outage updates as they happen.

United Illuminating also said it has begun its own preparation efforts.

“Our storm team has been monitoring the weather and expect strong winds and rain, which have the potential to cause outages. It is critical that our customers are prepared; I urge them to review our storm preparedness information on our website, uinet.com,” UI President & CEO Frank Reynolds said in a statement. “We also encourage all customers to sign up for text message alerts, download the UI mobile app, and follow us on social media to get the most up-to-date information on our weather response.”

UI said customers can get up-to-date information on the UI website and on the mobile app.

Customers can sign up for outage alerts by texting “REG” to 839-884 (TEXT-UI) to receive free text alerts if you lose service, and for restoration updates. Or, visit uinet.com for additional alert options.

Customers can report an outage at uinet.com or by calling 800-722-5584 (800.7.CALL.UI). You can also report by UI’s mobile alerts system by texting “OUT” to 839-884 (TEXT-UI), but registration is required.

After a cold front passes tomorrow morning, cooler air will move in.