Your calendar is not wrong - it is October 29, not December 29.
Clinton may have missed out on the dusting of snow earlier this week, but maybe not for this weekend. Trick or treat!
A historic early season snowstorm has been predicted for southern Connecticut, sections of the lower Hudson Valley and northeast New Jersey, the National Weather Service says.
A high wind warning, winter weather advisory, coastal flood advisory and hazardous weather outlook have been issued for Clinton and surrounding towns beginning Saturday into Sunday.
The high wind warning goes into effect at 4 p.m. Saturday until 6 a.m. Sunday; the winter weather advisory goes into effect at 8 a.m. Saturday until 8 a.m. Sunday; and the coastal flood advisory goes into effect goes into effect at 10 p.m. Saturday until 2 a.m. Sunday.
The hazardous weather outlook is for southern Connecticut, the National Weather Service (NWS) says.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said southern New Haven County could get two to four inches of wet snow. The good news there is that the earlier prediction was three to seven inches.
North winds with gusts of up to 60 mph possible
Portions of southeast Connecticut could see strong and damaging north winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph, the NWS says. "The highest gusts will be Saturday evening through early Sunday morning," the NWS said. "Temperatures will be in the lower 40s, falling into the lower to mid-30s Saturday evening. Visibilities will be less than one miles at times."
Heavy rain is expected to develop after daybreak on Saturday, then change to snow late Saturday afternoon into early Saturday evening.
The NWS warned of widespread hazardous travel conditions due to reduced visibilities and snow-covered roads.
Widespread power outages possible
"The combination of strong winds and heavy wet snow will result in downed trees, tree limbs, and power lines. The damage could be quite extensive with the potential for widespread power outages," the NWS said. "A winter weather advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities and use caution while driving."
The extended forecast for Clinton and surrounding towns is as follows:
Saturday: Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 44. Northeast wind between 8 and 17 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Saturday night: Rain before 11pm, then rain and snow. The rain could be heavy at times. Some thunder is also possible. Low around 35. Windy, with a north wind 30 to 33 mph decreasing to between 22 and 25 mph. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Sunday: A chance of rain and snow before 8am. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 45. Breezy, with a north wind between 16 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28. North wind between 6 and 10 mph.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. North wind around 6 mph becoming east.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 35.
TIPS FROM CL&P
The weather in Connecticut can be challenging. CL&P offers these tips to help keep you safe and comfortable -- in case you lose power...
- Prepare a "lights out" kit. It should include a flashlight and extra batteries, a battery-operated radio or TV and clock, a first aid kit, containers for water or bottled water, canned food and a non-electric can opener, sterno or similar fuel - but never burn charcoal indoors, and a list of important phone numbers and some cash as automatic teller machines may not work
- Portable generators should be installed only by a licensed electrician. Check with your town regarding a permit and inspection.
- Generators must be connected with a special transfer switch that prevents power from feeding back into the electric lines. Feedback could endanger line workers who are nearby.
- Generators must be vented outside. And never refuel them while they are running
- Only call 9-1-1 to report a dangerous situation, such as a downed line or utility pole
- CL&P customers can report an outage, or get an estimate as to when the power will be back, by calling 800-286-2000.
- And always let your utility know when you don't have power. Don't assume your neighbor will call in the problem.
- Never walk near, or touch a downed power line. Stay away and keep others away. And if you are driving and come across a fallen line, never get out of your vehicle. In all situations, always assume that a fallen line is "live"....it's energized. If you see a downed line, call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Never go near or remove tree branches that have come down until the area is thoroughly checked for fallen power lines. There may be a downed wire hidden beneath those branches and it may be "live" - energized. Tree limbs can conduct electricity, causing injury or death. If you see a downed line, call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings. Food will stay frozen up to 24 hours, and even longer if the freezer is full. Open the refrigerator or freezer doors only when necessary.
- If you have a well and water pump, fill spare containers with water, and your washing machine with water for flushing, just in case.
- Take steps to protect your major or electronically sensitive appliances.
- Now is the time to make sure your car's gas tank is full.
- And electricity and water never mix. If you know your home is in an area prone to flooding, turn off devices like your furnace, water heater and electrical system before water can reach them.
Do you know of a Halloween event that will be CANCELED for this weekend? Please let everyone know by posting the information at the end of this article. Thanks from Patch!
