The following is information provided by Wilton Emergency Management and Emergency Management Director/Fire Chief Jim Blanchfield:
Wilton is under both a Flood Watch and Severe Thunderstorm Watch as heavy rainfall is expected starting Tuesday afternoon, July 8 into Wednesday, July 9.
The National Weather Service‘s Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect now until 9 p.m. Tuesday for Fairfield County. The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) has issued a Flood Watch for the entire state continuing into early Wednesday morning, 2 a.m.
A slow-moving frontal system combined with tropical moisture is expected to trigger slow-moving thunderstorms with torrential downpours.
Key Details:
- Timing: Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to develop by 4 p.m., increasing in coverage through the evening and overnight hours.
- Rainfall Rates: Individual thunderstorms may produce 1- to 2-plus inches of rain per hour, with some towns potentially receiving 2- to 4-plus inches in a few hours if storms stall or train over the same areas.
- Urban Flooding Risk: Torrential downpours may cause significant urban flooding in isolated areas, especially in large urban centers.
- Severe Weather Risk: There is a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms, with a 5% chance of strong winds and isolated wet microbursts capable of producing wind gusts up to 60 MPH.
According to the CT Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, not all towns will experience heavy rainfall. However, a few towns could receive 2- to 4-plus inches of rain in a few hours if slow moving thunderstorms stall or train over the same areas repeatedly. The map to the right depicts one possible distribution of rainfall. However, the actual locations for local torrential downpours cannot be forecasted in advance.
Residents are urged to monitor weather conditions closely, especially in areas prone to flooding. While widespread urban flooding is not expected, localized heavy rainfall could lead to significant impacts in certain towns.
DESPP will provide the next update at 4 p.m.
