Emergency Manager Dick Aarons advises businesses and residents to remove or stabilize tents and secure outdoor furniture and unanchored equipment that could become dangerous missiles in strong winds. “We should expect power outages,” said Aarons, “and the Eversource has already warned that its restoration times may be slower than usual because of pandemic precautions.”
Heavy rain and strong winds are probable for Ridgefield beginning Monday with passing bands increasing to tropical storm strength by Tuesday afternoon.
Tropical Storm Isaias is a quick mover and should be through our area by early Wednesday morning. Two-to-four inches of rain are expected in our area and 4-to-8 are expected west of New York City.
The National Weather Service said on Sunday that bands of rain will arrive in our area late Monday; however, they will stay moderate through the day. The bands will increase in intensity until Tuesday afternoon when both wind and rain will become steady until early Wednesday morning. Ridgefield could see 45 to 50 mph steady state winds with gusts between 50 and 60 mph.
NWS briefers noted that this storm will bring winds from the south if it stays on track. Historically, Connecticut sees greater tree and wire damage when winds come from the south rather than the north and northwest as is the case with nor’easters and off-shore tropical storms.
It is important, said Aarons, that families be prepared to shelter in place and to have food, water and medications on hand for family and pets. Ridgefield Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has advised all Ridgefielders to stock three-to-five days of emergency supplies at all times in preparation for weather or other emergencies. Be sure your information at CTAlert is up to date and watch for additional updates on this site.
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