This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

In Branford: Monitoring and Preparing for Storm Isaias

August 3, 2020: Tropical Storm (T.S.) Isaias is forecast to become a hurricane before making landfall in the Carolinas tonight; tropical storm warnings issued for coastal Connecticut.

After landfall Isaias is forecast to weaken back down to a tropical storm and move quickly up the U.S. east coast during the day on Tuesday [Aug. 4]. The center of T.S. Isaias is now forecast to reach southwestern Connecticut at approximately 6 p.m. Tuesday evening. Tropical storm force winds are expected to arrive a few hours sooner at approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.

On the official forecast track, our state can expect tropical storm conditions with sustained winds of 45 – 55 MPH and gusts in the 55 - 65 MPH range Tuesday afternoon and evening. The most likely timing for the tropical storm force winds is from 3 - 9 p.m. Tuesday. This timing may continue to change by a few hours as we get closer to the time of impact. The primary threat from T.S. Isaias still appears to be from strong winds. Based on the current National Hurricane Center forecast we can expect a high end moderate impact to trees and powerlines. The storm will also likely be accompanied by some heavy rain of 2" – 4" especially in western CT. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is also possible around midnight which may inundate some low lying coastal roads and a few structures. Minor to moderate urban flooding is expected.

ACTIONS

Please be prepared and take the following precautions:

· 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.

· Close up and secure patio umbrellas.

· Prepare your home and family, review your emergency plans, test your generator and other similar activities. You can find additional information here: o Ready.GOV- Emergency Kit o Ready.gov- Prepare for Hurricanes o American Red Cross Hurricane Prep o Preparing your home for disaster

· Sign up to receive Community Messages by email, Click the black "create account" button · Sign up to receive Emergency Messages or update your contact information from CT Alert

· Predetermine where you would evacuate if it should become necessary. Due to COVID-19 it is best to shelter with family or in a hotel, congregate sheltering should be your last resort.

· Check on elderly neighbors or other vulnerable community members who may need assistance.