Printer Friendly Version - Branford Community Message: Tropical Storm Fay Strengthening

Gathering clouds over the Branford River at 2 p.m. on Friday July 10 as the Connecticut coast implements a Tropical Storm Warning for Tropical Storm Fay, which is forecast to depart the state by daybreak on Saturday.Pam Johnson/The Sound

At approximately 2 p.m. on July 10 a community message issued by the Town of Branford alerted residents to an uptick in the strength of pending Tropical Storm Fay and a reminder on precautions and preparations to take to prepare for potential damaging winds and flooding.

The message noted that the storm is "getting a little stronger than expected...sustained winds now up to 60 mph." Tropical storm warnings are in effect for the Connecticut coast and flood watches are in effect for the entire state.

Easterly winds along the Connecticut coast are currently sustained at 10 – 15 mph with gusts to 20 mph at times. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is forecasting that Tropical Storm (T.S.)Fay will remain at it's current intensity for the next 6 hours as the Tropical Storm hugs the coastline. T.S. Fay is forecasted to move north along the NY / CT border between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. Saturday morning.

On this track the heaviest rain is still expected to occur in Western CT where a total of 2" – 4" inches may fall. Slightly less rainfall (1" – 2") is expected in eastern CT. Flood watches are now in effect for the entire state. Winds are forecast to gust to 55 – 65 MPH along the coast and 40 – 50 MPH inland this evening between 8:00 PM and midnight. A minor to moderate number of power outages may occur. As with most tropical systems there is also a chance for an isolated tornado (5% along the coast and 2% Inland). T.S. Fay is forecast to depart the state by daybreak on Saturday.

· Pay attention to local weather forecasts and bulletins issued by the National Weather Service on local radio stations.

· To prepare for a possible power outage, make sure cell phone batteries are charged, gather supplies, and turn refrigerators and freezers to a colder setting.

· If you are a property owner, builder, contractor, and/or crane operator, secure your construction site(s), building(s), and equipment.

· Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys.

· Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.