With excessive rainfall predicted and slow-moving thunderstorms headed toward Wilton, the town’s Emergency Management officials are urging residents to be alert now that Flood Watches have been issued for the entire state of Connecticut.
The CT Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection‘s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security issued a Flood Watch earlier this afternoon (Thursday, July 31), to continue until 8 a.m. on Friday morning, Aug. 1.
There is also a Small Craft Advisory in effect for Long Island Sound.
Wilton is also in the portion of Fairfield County that was upgraded to “moderate risk” for excessive rainfall over the next 24 hours, by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Radar at 12:45 p.m. showed an area of moderate to heavy rain moving slowly into the Northwest Hills, and move eastward toward Wilton. In addition, a few thunderstorms are starting to develop south of the main area of rainfall.
Towns in the path of the storms have been advised to closely monitor any slow-moving thunderstorms, especially thunderstorms that line up and move over the same towns repeatedly.
In general, most towns can expect one- to three inches of rainfall tonight. However, some forecast models have indicated that much higher amounts over six inches could occur over small areas if thunderstorms slow down or stall.
Residents are encouraged to consider protective measures for potential flooding and flash flooding, including:
- Stay weather aware and monitor updates this evening and tonight via the National Weather Service and your local news/weather outlets
- Move valuable belongings and equipment out of flood prone areas like basements
- Have a plan to evacuate to higher ground if you are in a flooding prone area
- Turn around, don’t drown — Never drive through standing or moving water