A lot of rain is forecast for the area on Friday, July 4, as rain related to Hurricane Arthur, currently off the coast of North Carolina, could drop up to three inches of rain. A flash flood watch is in effect through the evening.
A cold front is expected to slowly move into the area Friday morning before dissipating, according to the National Weather Service. “This boundary will act as a focus for heavy showers and embedded thunderstorms today as it interacts with moisture streaming ahead of Hurricane Arthur,” the Weather Service said Friday morning. “A total of one to three inches of rainfall is expected — with locally higher amounts.”
The center of Arthur is expected to move off the North Carolina and Virgina shores Friday, according to the National Hurricane Center. The hurricane is expected to pass southeast of New England Friday night and be near or over western Nova Scotia, Canada, early Saturday.
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm are in the Independence Day forecast. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain, according to the Weather Service. The high Friday should be 76; with a south wind five to 11 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
More showers are also likely with a possible additional thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a slight chance of showers between 8 and 9. After that, it is expected to remain mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 57; with a northwest wind 11 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch — except higher amounts with the possible thunderstorms.
The main impacts from today’s storm is expected to be flooding in urban area, roadways and places with poor damage, according to the Weather Service.
A flash flood watch means that conditions might develop that lead to flash flooding.
CT officials monitor storm’s path
In Connecticut, the state Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security continues to monitor Arthur for any potential impacts on the state.
“Although the latest forecast does not have Arthur severely impacting the state,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said late this afternoon, “we need to continue to monitor the storm’s path.“This storm is a great reminder that we need to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at us as we move into the height of hurricane season,” Malloy said.
State officials working with NWS
Connecticut state personnel are participating in ongoing NWS conference calls to get the latest information on the storms track and is sending out regular updates to all municipalities and the tribal nations.
Arthur is more likely to effect southeastern Connecticut, near New London, than the western part of the state — perhaps by bringing high winds and rain, depending on its exact path.
For more information on Hurricane Preparedness, visit ct.gov/hurricane.