Heavy Rain, High Wind Hitting Southern Connecticut Saturday

By Gary Jeanfaivre 

There's some nasty weather in the forecast for Saturday, and Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is asking residents to take extra precautions to protect themselves and their property.

“The current forecast is calling for heavy rain, minor flooding, and high winds, with the major impacts being urban and basement flooding,” Malloy said in a press release issued Jan. 10. 

Of particular importance in the Middletown area is the potential for basements and low-lying areas, according to NBC Connecticut metereologist Bob Maxon. "There could be poor drainage issues, when the ground is frozen and there's no snow on it which be accentuated by the fact that the ground is frozen." 

Also in Middletown, according to WTNH Channel 8 metereologist Gil Simmons, "ice jams and flooding could be an issue," on the Connecticut River, and big chunks of ice. "The problem is when these big chunks get together in any curl on the river, you can get a setup that could cause flooding." 

• Coast Guard Cutter Bollard Breaking Ice on Connecticut River…

“If you live in a low-lying, flood prone area, please stay alert to changing weather condition and if you plan on traveling tomorrow, please use caution and do not attempt to drive through standing water.” 

Total rainfall is currently expected to range from 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches across the state, with wind gusts ranging from 40-50 miles per hour at times. The heaviest rainfall is expected be late Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening, resulting in a flood watch for the entire state.

Malloy said the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) will continue to monitor the storm and the current conditions across the state.